Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 6th January 2026, 9:02 AM
In a decisive step to meet domestic edible oil demand and stabilise market prices, the government of Bangladesh has approved the import of a substantial quantity of soybean oil from Thailand. A total of 13,575,000 litres of soybean oil will be imported at an estimated cost of BDT 1.7847 billion, translating to BDT 131.47 per litre.
The approval was granted on Tuesday, 6 January, during a meeting of the Government Procurement Advisory Committee, chaired by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister. Following a proposal from the Ministry of Commerce, the import will be executed through a direct international procurement process, with Prime Crop World Ltd., Thailand, selected as the official supplier.
During the meeting, the committee also approved import proposals for other critical national commodities, including lentils (red lentils), fertilisers, and fuel oil. Government agencies responsible for supply chains have been instructed to expedite delivery, ensuring there are no shortages in the domestic market.
Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed emphasised the importance of transparency and efficiency in the import process. He stated:
“Ensuring timely and transparent imports is our top priority. By bringing in soybean oil and other essential commodities promptly, we can stabilise market prices and protect consumer interests. This initiative will further strengthen Bangladesh’s food and agricultural security.”
The table below summarises the approved imports of key commodities:
| Commodity | Quantity (Litres/Tonnes) | Total Cost (BDT) | Unit Price (BDT) | Supplier | Procurement Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soybean Oil | 13,575,000 litres | 1,784,700,000 | 131.47 | Prime Crop World Ltd., Thailand | Direct International Purchase |
| Lentils (Red) | To be procured separately | — | — | — | Separate process |
| Fertiliser | To be procured separately | — | — | — | Separate process |
| Fuel Oil | To be procured separately | — | — | — | Separate process |
Through this initiative, the government expects adequate availability of soybean oil in the domestic market, maintaining price stability for consumers. Rapid execution of these imports is anticipated to reinforce food security and agricultural resilience in Bangladesh, ensuring that essential commodities remain accessible across all income segments of the population.
This measure underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding national food supplies while mitigating price volatility in critical staple products.
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