In an effort to keep the prices of eggs stable, the government on Monday approved import of 4 crore eggs, said Secretary to the Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh.
“The government will regularly monitor the market to check the price of eggs and if no improvement is seen then approval will be given to import more eggs,” he said while talking to reporters at the secretariat.
Last month, the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry fixed the price of egg at Tk 12 per piece at retail level.
But the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) during the drive found that the traders are not selling eggs at the government fixed price, he said.
So, the government gave approval to four companies to import 4 crore eggs and each company can import one crore eggs, said Tapan.
Replying to a question, from where the eggs will be imported, the secretary said they can import eggs from any country where the price is low.
Asked whether there is any condition in importing eggs, he said there is no condition but the price of eggs should not be more than Tk 12.
“Bangladesh needs 4 crore eggs in a day for its consumers and we have given approval of import for one day. I don’t think it will Iaffect the local market or the farmers
much,” said Tapan.
Earlier, on August 13, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said the government will allow the import of eggs after consultation with the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry if the price of eggs does not come down.
As price of eggs soars abnormally the members of Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection are conducting drives in different wholesale markets in the city and realising fines.
According to the Bangladesh Egg Producers Association, the country requires between 35 and 40 million eggs per day to meet demand. And the majority of the eggs are sourced from domestic producers.
BSS adds: The government has given permission for importing four crore eggs to four companies in order to keep the price of such item under control.
Talking to BSS on Monday, Commerce Ministry Senior Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh said each of the four companies have been initially given permission for
importing one crore pieces of eggs thus totaling the number to four crore
eggs. These four companies are Meem Enterprise, Prime Energy Importers and
Suppliers, Tiger Trading and Arnob Trading Limited.
He said these four companies have been asked to import eggs as soon as
possible. "Since they will have to import eggs through opening up LCs, it may
take some time for them," he added.
Tapan said it was also not fixed from which country they would have to import
eggs as the importers would be able to choose the sourcing country. "But, the
price of imported eggs has been fixed at Taka 12 per piece in line with the
fresh fixation of egg price. So, the price of imported eggs won't be more
than Taka 12 per piece," he added.
The Senior Commerce Secretary said four fresh conditions have also been given
for importing eggs. These are: Eggs should have to be imported from avian
influenza free or bird-flue free country, avian influenza free or bird-flu
virus free or harmful bacteria free certificate, given by the concerned
authority of the government of the exporting country, should have to be
submitted by the importer while importing each consignment of eggs, no
prohibited materials could be imported alongside eggs while the importers
should have to comply with the existing rules and regulations of the
government.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, there is a demand for
four crore eggs per day in the country while the import of above mentioned
quantity of eggs would meet up the demand for eggs of one day in the country.
Tapan, however, said that if necessary, the government would allow import of
more eggs while decision in this regard would be taken later based on the
supply and price situation.
