The Ministry of Food has affirmed there have been no irregularities, overpricing, or special privileges in the import of wheat from the United States (US).
According to an official press release, a recent report in a national daily titled “Bangladesh buys US wheat at higher price due to agreement” was described by the ministry as misleading regarding the government-to-government (G2G) wheat import process.
The ministry warned the report could create a false impression among readers, stressing the need to present accurate details.
Wheat is being imported under a G2G arrangement as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Bangladesh and the US governments.
Under the first phase of the agreement, 220,000 tonnes of wheat were procured at US$ 302.75 per tonne (CIF Liner Out). The second phase saw an additional 220,000 tonnes imported at US$ 308 per tonne (CIF Liner Out).
The report incorrectly compared the CIF Liner Out price of US wheat (up to the silos of Chattogram and Mongla Directorate General of Food) with the FOB price of Russian wheat (up to Russian ports).
The ministry clarified this comparison is misleading because CIF Liner Out covers transportation, insurance, unloading, and port expenses, whereas FOB only accounts for costs up to the port.
Current FOB prices show Russian wheat at about US$ 230 per tonne and US wheat at US$ 232, a minimal difference of US$ 2. Meanwhile, the CIF Liner Out price of Russian wheat ranges between US$ 295-300 per tonne, compared to US wheat at US$ 308-310 per tonne.
The ministry also highlighted the quality difference, noting US wheat contains 13.5% protein, significantly higher than the 11% average in Russian wheat, making it nutritionally superior.
Considering better quality, higher protein content, and international transport costs, the slightly higher price of US wheat is justified and aligns with market standards.
The Ministry of Food emphasised the entire G2G wheat import process has been conducted transparently and competitively, following government-approved international procedures.
