New Delhi-based Sael Agri is the lowest bidder for the import tender for Bangla rice

New Delhi-based Sael Agri has offered the lowest price in Bangladesh’s second tender to import 50,000 tonnes of parboiled rice, trade sources said.

At $471.60 per tonne, Sael’s bid was the lowest compared to $474 from Aditya Birla, $474.74 from Singapore-based Agro Corp, $474.99 from Pattabhi Agro, the lowest bidder in the first tender, and $479.77 from Baghadiya Brothers. Apart from Agro Corp, the rest are Indian companies.

First tender

Bangladesh launched this tender on November 5 and Monday was the last day for bidding. The first tender was closed on November 4, with Pattabhi Agro being the lowest bidder. Bangladesh has decided to import rice this year as floods are feared to have affected production of over a million tonnes. Dhaka produces 40 million tons of rice annually, but floods, heavy rains, cyclones or drought have periodically devastated production.

To facilitate imports by the government, Bangladesh has stopped imports. Dhaka is likely to import at least six million tons of parboiled rice.

The bids for the Bangladesh tender are based on cost, insurance and freight and include shipping costs to Chattogram and Mongla ports in addition to unloading charges. Dhaka on Sunday floated its third tender to import another 50,000 tonnes and the last date to submit bids is December 2.