B Mirror Report:  The cost of operating a CNG autorickshaw in Dhaka has risen sharply to Tk 24–25 lakh, despite the vehicle’s showroom price being around Tk 6 lakh, due to alleged manipulation in the registration and number plate system.

Stakeholders say the increase is driven by an artificial shortage of new registrations, which has created a secondary market where old registration plates are sold for Tk 12–15 lakh. This, combined with the cost of purchasing the vehicle, has pushed total investment far beyond its original value.

Under existing regulations, CNG autorickshaws are replaced after a 15-year operational lifespan, with registration rights retained by existing owners. Industry sources say this restriction has limited new entry into the market and allowed a small group of owners to dominate the sector.

Data from transport associations indicate that around 15,696 CNG autorickshaws are currently operating in Dhaka. Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) figures show a total of 20,995 registrations issued up to December 2025. However, only 445 new registrations were issued in the past five years.

Drivers and transport stakeholders allege that brokers, influential owners, and some officials are involved in a system that drives up costs through informal payments and trading of registration rights.

As a result, nearly 1,000 owners are reported to control the majority of CNG autorickshaws in the capital, employing around 50,000 drivers. Experts say this concentration has contributed to higher fares and daily hardship for an estimated 5 million commuters.

Transport experts argue that the ongoing price distortion is largely due to restrictions on new registrations. Professor Md. Hadiuzzaman of BUET said the sector cannot stabilize unless the registration system is reformed, warning that the market will continue to be controlled by a small group without policy changes.

Meanwhile, BRTA Chairman (additional duty) Mir Ahmed Tarikul Omar said a proposal has been submitted to allow 1,000 new CNG autorickshaw registrations in Dhaka in response to growing demand. The proposal is currently awaiting approval from the ministry.

Stakeholders also cautioned that any increase in vehicle numbers must be matched with improved road capacity to avoid worsening congestion in the capital.