The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) has approved the import of 70,000 tonnes of phosphate-based fertilizer from Morocco and four cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential agricultural inputs and energy. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presided over the 42nd meeting of the CCGP held at the Cabinet Division at Bangladesh Secretariat.
Of the approved fertilizer procurement, 40,000 tonnes of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer will be imported from OCP Nutricrops, Morocco, under the existing Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangement. The DAP will be procured at a price of US$894 per tonne, with the total estimated cost standing at Taka 440.92 crore. Additionally, 30,000 tonnes of Triple Superphosphate (TSP) fertilizer will be imported from the same Moroccan supplier under the G2G arrangement at US$669.33 per tonne, at a total cost of Taka 247.78 crore.
The fertilizer procurement proposals were placed by the Ministry of Agriculture through the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC). These imports are crucial for maintaining adequate fertilizer supplies ahead of the upcoming agricultural season.
The CCGP also approved four LNG cargoes proposed by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to meet the country's energy demand. Three LNG cargoes were approved through international competitive bidding. The 49th cargo, scheduled for delivery on September 25-26, will be procured from Aramco Trading Singapore Pte. Ltd. at US$27.54 per MMBtu. The 50th cargo, scheduled for delivery on October 1-2, will be procured from BP Singapore Pte. Ltd. at US$28.03 per MMBtu, while the 51st cargo, scheduled for delivery on October 5-6, will be procured from Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd. at US$26.6688 per MMBtu.
In addition, the committee approved one LNG cargo from Aramco Trading Singapore Pte. Ltd. under Clause 7.2(b) of the existing Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA). This cargo, scheduled for delivery on September 10, will be procured at US$23.98 per MMBtu. These LNG imports are expected to ensure uninterrupted energy supply for power generation, industries, and other consumers.
The meeting also considered procurement proposals from various other divisions and ministries, including the Road Transport and Highways Division, Ministry of Commerce, Secondary and Higher Education Division, Power Division, Ministry of Shipping, and Ministry of Housing and Public Works. The CCGP's approval of the fertilizer and LNG procurements is part of the government's broader efforts to ensure food and energy security while maintaining cost efficiency in public procurement.
This approval is significant for Bangladesh as it aims to bolster agricultural productivity and ensure a stable energy supply, which are critical for the country's economic stability and food security.
