TBT Desk: The government has approved the purchase of 40,000 metric tonnes of DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) fertiliser for the agricultural sector and 10,000 tonnes of phosphoric acid for fertiliser production. The total expenditure for this procurement stands at Tk 3.07 billion (Tk 307.56 crore), as sanctioned by the Government Procurement Advisory Committee.
The decision was made on Thursday (20 February) during a meeting held at the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat, chaired by Economic Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed.
DAP Fertiliser from Saudi Arabia
According to meeting sources, the Ministry of Agriculture proposed importing 40,000 tonnes of DAP from Saudi Arabia under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. After reviewing the proposal, the advisory committee granted its approval.
The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) will oversee the import, maintaining the terms of a previously concluded contract. The pricing of the fertiliser follows the terms set in the original agreement. The procurement of DAP from Saudi Arabia will cost $24.58 million, equivalent to Tk 2.99 billion (Tk 299.87 crore). The price per tonne of DAP has been set at $614.50.
Phosphoric Acid for Fertiliser Production
The Ministry of Industries also sought approval to import 10,000 tonnes of phosphoric acid for the TSP Complex Limited (TSPSCL) in Chattogram, a key raw material for producing TSP (Triple Super Phosphate) fertiliser. The advisory committee has approved this proposal as well.
As phosphoric acid and rock phosphate are essential raw materials for TSP production, the government had invited international open tenders for the 2024-25 fiscal year. However, only one bid was submitted, which was deemed technically responsive.
Following the completion of the evaluation process, the contract was awarded to Guangxi Penguin Eco-Technology Co. Ltd, the sole qualified bidder. The cost of this procurement stands at Tk 768.6 million (Tk 76.86 crore), with the price per tonne of phosphoric acid set at $630.