The government will import rice and LNG to meet the demands of the domestic market, it's been decided.
The Advisors Council Committee on Government Purchase (ACCGP), in a meeting with Finance Advisor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair, approved two separate proposals in this regard.
As per a proposal, moved by the Ministry of Food, the Food Directorate will import 50,000 Metric Tons (MT) of non-basmati parboiled rice from India through an international open tender.
Bagadiya Brothers Limited of India will supply the bulk rice at a cost of Tk 275.30 crore, with each kg at Tk 55.06.
Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Minerals Corporation-Petrobangla will import one cargo of LNG from the international spot market through quotation.
Excelerate Energy PLC of United States will supply the LNG cargo at a cost of Tk 752.50 crore, with each MMBtu at $15.69.
After the meeting, Finance Advisor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed told reporters that the government will not bring any change in the duty structure of essential commodities until the end of the upcoming month of holy Ramadan which is expected to begin from 1 March.
Responding to a question on ensuring adequate supply of essential commodities at affordable price during the Ramadan, the advisor said that the government had already imported chickpeas, lentils, and dates. The price of Soybean oil has come to a reasonable level.
“If necessary, the government will take further measures in regard to the price of soybean oil”, he said.
He said that the government has been giving priority on market monitoring. “The market monitoring has to be intensified. Only application of Consumer Protection Act is not enough to contain the prices”.
He mentioned that the price of onion has already come down to Tk 40 per kg from Tk 200. In our country, prices of goods frequently go up and down while prices remain stable in developed countries.
