Dhaka, June 26 (V7N) — The Government of Bangladesh has approved seven procurement proposals for the import of wheat, fertilizer, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and octane, amounting to a total expenditure of Tk 1,626 crore. The approvals were granted during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase held on Wednesday at the Secretariat, chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed.
Dr. Ahmed told reporters that the purchase of 50,000 metric tons of wheat has been approved, which is expected to save between Tk 18 crore and Tk 20 crore. He added that the current stock of rice and wheat remains satisfactory, but the additional wheat import is a precaution to prevent any food shortage. The wheat will be imported from the United Arab Emirates through a government-to-government agreement at a cost of Tk 168.82 crore.
The government will also import 105,000 metric tons of fertilizer from Canada, Tunisia, and Morocco, including 40,000 metric tons of MOP from Canada, 25,000 metric tons of TSP from Tunisia, and 40,000 metric tons of DAP from Morocco. The total fertilizer import will cost Tk 681 crore. Dr. Ahmed noted a slight increase in fertilizer prices from Morocco and Tunisia.
A proposal to import one cargo of LNG from Vitol Asia in Singapore at a cost of Tk 569.29 crore was also approved. Despite concerns over shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran-Israel conflict, Bangladesh’s import and export activities remain unaffected.
Additionally, the government approved the import of 25,000 metric tons of 95 RON unleaded gasoline (octane) from Indonesia, costing Tk 208.63 crore, to meet domestic fuel demand.
These procurement decisions reflect the government’s efforts to maintain food security, ensure energy supply stability, and support agricultural production amid global uncertainties.
Comment: