You wave down a CNG in Mohakhali, ask "meter e jaben?", and the driver laughs. Or he says yes, then asks for ৳100 extra on top. Or he refuses to go to Mirpur at all. Almost every passenger in Dhaka has had this conversation, often several times a day. It is tiring, it wastes time and it rarely ends with the meter running.
Here is what the official rules say, what changed in 2025, and what you can practically do.
The official CNG meter rate
The government sets the meter fare for CNG autorickshaws in Dhaka. As reported, the rate is:
- First 2 km: Official rate ৳40
- Every km after: Official rate ৳12
So, on paper, a 6 km trip on the meter would come to about ৳40 for the first 2 km plus ৳48 for the next 4 km, or roughly ৳88 before any waiting charge. On the street, passengers regularly report being asked for far more.
What happened to the 2025 fine order
In February 2025, BRTA issued an order saying CNG drivers who charged above the meter or refused trips could face fines of up to ৳50,000. Reports at the time said the order was withdrawn after protests by CNG drivers and workers.
What this means for passengers: the meter rate still exists, but strict enforcement through that order did not go ahead. In daily life, most CNG fares in Dhaka are still settled by negotiation.
Why drivers refuse the meter
Understanding the driver's side does not make overcharging fair, but it explains why the argument keeps happening:
- Daily rent to owners. Many drivers pay a fixed daily amount to the vehicle owner and say the meter fare does not cover it.
- Traffic. Long jams mean slow progress, and drivers say waiting charges do not make up for it.
- Return trips. Drivers often refuse areas where they expect no passenger for the return.
- Demand. In rain, at rush hour or at night, drivers know passengers have few choices.
Your rights as a passenger
As a passenger, you can reasonably:
- Ask for the meter. The official rate is the government set fare.
- Refuse an unfair price. You are not obliged to accept a fare you think is wrong.
- Ask for the full price before you sit. If you agree to a fixed price, settle it completely before the trip starts, so there is no surprise at the end.
- Note the vehicle number. If you want to complain later, the plate number is the key detail.
- Stay safe first. Never argue in a way that puts you at risk, especially at night or in a quiet area.
How to complain
If a driver overcharges or refuses the meter, the most useful thing you can do is record the facts:
- The CNG number plate
- The date, time and place
- The route you asked for
- The amount demanded
You can raise complaints with BRTA, which regulates vehicles and fares, and with the traffic police. Contact details and processes can change, so check the official BRTA website or office for the current way to submit a complaint. In any emergency where you feel unsafe, call 999, the national emergency number.
Be realistic: a complaint may not solve today's trip. It is most useful as a record and for repeated problems on the same route.
Practical ways to avoid the argument
Most passengers simply want to get where they are going without a fight. A few habits help:
- Know the rough distance. If you know the trip is about 5 km, you can judge whether a quoted price is reasonable.
- Wait at busier stands. At places with many CNGs, such as near Gabtoli, Sayedabad or Kamalapur, you may find a driver willing to go at a fairer price, though stands at bus and rail terminals can also be crowded with high quotes.
- Avoid peak hours when possible, since prices rise with demand.
- Book with an upfront fare. When the price is fixed before the driver arrives, there is nothing to argue about.
How Arohon helps
Arohon is designed to remove the meter argument:
- Upfront fares. You see the CNG fare before you book. No bargaining, no "meter e jabo na".
- Driver details. Check the driver's name, photo and plate before you get in.
- Share trip with family. Let someone at home follow your ride.
- A fairer deal for drivers. Drivers pay a flat 2% commission plus a ৳3 safety charge and a small booking fee based on the fare, while most ride apps take 15% to 25%. Keeping more of each fare gives drivers less reason to push for extra on the street.
Rides on Arohon are paid in cash to the driver, at the fare you saw when booking.
Keep reading
- Book a ride
- CNG Fare in Dhaka 2026: Meter Rate vs What You Really Pay
- Driver Keeps Cancelling? Why It Happens and How to Avoid It
Frequently asked questions
What is the official CNG meter rate in Dhaka?
As reported, the official rate is ৳40 for the first 2 km and ৳12 for every km after that.
Can a CNG driver be fined for refusing the meter?
In February 2025, BRTA ordered fines of up to ৳50,000 for overcharging, but reports said the order was withdrawn after protests by drivers. Check BRTA for the current rules.
Where can I complain about a CNG driver?
You can complain to BRTA or the traffic police with the plate number, date, time, place and amount demanded. Check the official BRTA website for the current complaint process. In an emergency, call 999.
How can I avoid bargaining with CNG drivers?
Book a CNG through an app that shows the fare before you book. On Arohon, the fare is fixed upfront and you pay that amount in cash to the driver.
Is an app CNG fare the same as the meter?
Not necessarily. An app fare is shown before booking and is based on the trip. The key difference from the street is that the price is agreed in advance, so there is no argument at the end.