The government has launched significant measures to ease consumer burdens in the new year, with preparations underway to meet the high demand during Ramadan in early 2025.
The Ministry of Commerce is taking special steps to ensure the steady supply of edible oil while curbing the influence of unscrupulous trader syndicates.
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), operating under the Ministry of Commerce, plans to procure 280 million liters of edible oil in the 2024-25 fiscal year. As part of this initiative, the purchase of 19 million liters of soybean oil has begun, costing 1.89 billion taka.
An open tender, invited locally on November 25 under the Public Procurement Rules 2008, resulted in Super Oil Refinery Limited offering to supply 11 million liters of soybean oil at 171.95 taka per liter. However, the company stated its inability to deliver the remaining 11 million liters.
The tender evaluation committee recommended purchasing the 11 million liters in two-liter PET bottles, including transport costs, for a total of 1.89 billion taka. Previously, on December 2, similar oil was procured at 172.25 taka per liter through the same process.
TCB continues to supply essential goods at subsidized prices monthly, aiming to support Ramadan demands and assist low-income groups. A plan has been set to procure 22 million liters of soybean oil to meet the needs of 10 million families holding family cards.
This government initiative is anticipated to stabilize the edible oil market during Ramadan while ensuring adequate supply for consumers.