The Bangladeshi government has authorized the procurement of edible oil and lentils totaling Tk 350 crore from five local companies to distribute among the economically disadvantaged at subsidized prices. City Edible Oil Ltd, part of the City Group, will provide 11,000 tonnes of soybean oil to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) for Tk 168 crore, resulting in a unit price of Tk 152.98 per liter of oil. This procurement price shows a slight increase compared to previous rates.
In addition to soybean oil, the government has contracted Sena Kalyan Sangstha and Nabil Naba Food Ltd to deliver 5,000 tonnes of lentils each, with the combined contracts valued at Tk 102.75 crore. Furthermore, Majumder Bran Oil Mills Ltd and Majumder Products Ltd will supply 50 tonnes of rice bran oil to TCB, with the government allocating Tk 76 crore for this purchase.
These acquisitions, approved by the cabinet committee on government purchase following the commerce ministry's recommendations, are part of the government's ongoing efforts to alleviate the financial strain on lower-income citizens. By providing essential food items like edible oil, lentils, onions, chickpeas, and dates at reduced prices through the TCB, the government aims to ensure affordability for these staple commodities among the poor and low-income groups.