Govt prioritizes import of fertilizers, fuel, food products

Finance and Commerce Adviser Saleh Uddin Ahmed has said that the government will not import less essential items, focusing instead on fertilizers, fuel, and food products to meet current needs.

Speaking after a meeting of the Procurement and Economic Affairs Advisory Councils at the Secretariat on Wednesday, he emphasized this shift in priorities.

Saleh Uddin Ahmed said: "The annual demand for fertilizers in the country is 6.8 million tons, but domestic production is only 1.8 million tons. Consequently, the government must import the remaining fertilizer. Therefore, decisions on fertilizer imports are being made at weekly Procurement Advisory Council meetings."

The advisory councils have approved the purchase of 3 million tons of fertilizer locally and an additional 3 million tons from the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the government will procure 1 million tons of lentils through local tenders.

He also said that the government has decided to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the spot market instead of entering into long-term contracts to ensure a quick supply.