Dhaka: The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) today gave the green light for importing 70,000 tonnes of phosphate-based fertilizer from Morocco alongside four cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). These approvals aim to ensure an uninterrupted supply of crucial agricultural inputs and energy resources.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury led the 42nd meeting of the CCGP at the Bangladesh Secretariat. During this session, a total of 13 procurement proposals were approved, with significant emphasis on agriculture and energy sectors.
The approved fertilizer procurement includes 40,000 tonnes of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) from OCP Nutricrops, Morocco, under a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement. This DAP will be acquired at a rate of US$894 per tonne, with the total expenditure estimated at Taka 440.92 crore. Additionally, the committee sanctioned the import of 30,000 tonnes of Triple Superphosphate (TSP) fertilizer from the same Moroccan supplier, priced at US$669.33 per tonne, amounting to Taka 247.78 crore.
The fertilizer procurement proposals were submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture via the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC). Moreover, the CCGP approved four LNG cargoes proposed by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to cater to the country's energy needs.
Out of these, three LNG cargoes will be procured through international competitive bidding. The 49th cargo, expected between September 25-26, will be sourced from Aramco Trading Singapore Pte. Ltd. at US$27.54 per MMBtu. Following this, the 50th cargo, scheduled for October 1-2, will be procured from BP Singapore Pte. Ltd. at US$28.03 per MMBtu, while the 51st cargo, planned for October 5-6, will be acquired from Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd. at US$26.6688 per MMBtu. Additionally, one more LNG cargo from Aramco Trading Singapore Pte. Ltd. was approved under Clause 7.2(b) of the existing Sale and Purchase Agreement, slated for delivery on September 10 at US$23.98 per MMBtu.
These approvals are anticipated to secure adequate fertilizer supplies for the approaching agricultural season and provide an uninterrupted energy supply for power generation, industrial operations, and other consumers. The meeting also reviewed procurement proposals from various other sectors including the Road Transport and Highways Division, Ministry of Commerce, Secondary and Higher Education Division, and others.
The CCGP's endorsement of the fertilizer and LNG procurements aligns with the government's initiatives to ensure food and energy security while optimizing cost efficiency in public procurement.