TCB plans Tk 8,000cr procurement to stabilise essentials market

The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) plans to procure commodities worth around Tk 8,000 crore in the current fiscal year to ensure adequate supplies and help stabilise prices of essential goods amid global supply chain disruptions.

The main items to be procured are edible oil, lentils and sugar, along with dates and chickpeas.

TCB initially plans to source about half of the commodities domestically and the rest from international markets. However, the share of overseas procurement could be increased if international sourcing proves more competitive and reliable, TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Foyshol Azad said.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, TCB’s FY27 procurement plan includes 22 crore litres of edible oil, 2.20 lakh metric tons of red lentils, 1.10 lakh metric tons of sugar, 14,000 metric tons of chickpeas and 4,400 metric tons of dates.

The corporation is also taking measures to maintain adequate stocks and ensure uninterrupted distribution under government-supported supply programmes.

TCB is monitoring monthly demand, allocations, warehouse stocks and supplies in transit for major commodities as part of its stock-management system.

The corporation currently operates 40 warehouses, including nine owned by TCB and 31 rented facilities, with a combined storage capacity of around 48,370 metric tons.

TCB also plans to expand its storage capacity by about 10,000 metric tons to reduce its dependence on rented warehouses.

The chairman said TCB is seeking to reduce its reliance on government subsidies by purchasing commodities at competitive prices and selling some products at modest margins.

TCB currently supplies around 250,000 metric tons of edible oil annually, accounting for nearly 15% of the overall market, while its effective share of household consumption is considerably higher, according to Foyshol Azad.

He said TCB also supplies significant portions of household demand for lentils and sugar, helping contain excessive price increases.

The corporation has already introduced soap, detergent and salt on a pilot basis and plans to add flour, spices, chilli and turmeric to its product range.

These products will be sold below prevailing market prices without government subsidies, the chairman said.

TCB currently has around 80 lakh smart cards registered under its programme, with nearly 75 lakh already distributed. The remaining beneficiaries are expected to receive their cards before the next Eid-ul-Fitr.

The corporation is also moving towards full automation of its supply chain. Dealers currently use mobile phones to scan smart cards, while point-of-sale machines are expected to be introduced soon to provide consumers with transaction receipts.

A mobile-based system is also being developed to allow smartphone users to access their smart-card information digitally and make payments through mobile financial services or cash.

Foyshol said TCB has developed a platform capable of supporting around 21 government programmes, allowing other agencies to integrate their beneficiary schemes in the future.

He said TCB’s current stock position is satisfactory and stressed that the corporation’s long-term goal is to keep essential commodities available at affordable prices while maintaining quality and responding to consumer demand. -BSS