In a strategic move to meet domestic edible oil demand and stabilise market prices, the Bangladeshi government has approved the import of a substantial quantity of soybean oil from Thailand. A total of 13,575,000 litres of soybean oil is scheduled to arrive in the country, at a total expenditure of BDT 17.847 crore, translating to a per-litre cost of BDT 131.47.
The decision was endorsed during a meeting of the Government Procurement Advisory Committee, held on Tuesday, 6 January, under the chairmanship of Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. According to the Ministry of Commerce’s proposal, the procurement will be executed through direct international purchase, with Thailand’s Prime Crop World Ltd. selected as the official supplier.
During the same meeting, the committee also approved import proposals for other essential commodities, including lentils (masur dal), fertiliser, and fuel oil, aimed at addressing urgent national requirements. The committee instructed the relevant government departments to expedite the supply chain process to ensure uninterrupted availability of these commodities in local markets.
Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed emphasised the importance of transparency and speed in the procurement process, stating:
“Ensuring both transparency and rapid execution in these imports is our highest priority. Prompt arrival of soybean oil and other essential products will stabilise market prices and prevent shortages, safeguarding consumer interests. This initiative will further strengthen Bangladesh’s food and agricultural security.”
The table below summarises the key details of the approved import items:
| Commodity | Quantity (Litres/Tonnes) | Total Cost (BDT) | Unit Price (BDT) | Supplier | Procurement Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soybean Oil | 13,575,000 litres | 17,84,70,000 | 131.47 | Prime Crop World Ltd., Thailand | Direct International Purchase |
| Lentils (Masur Dal) | Under separate process | — | — | — | — |
| Fertiliser | Under separate process | — | — | — | — |
| Fuel Oil | Under separate process | — | — | — | — |
With this initiative, the government expects to increase the availability of soybean oil and maintain price stability for consumers. Rapid execution of these import measures is intended to bolster Bangladesh’s food security and agricultural resilience, ensuring that essential commodities remain accessible to all segments of society.