The Economic Affairs Committee on Sunday approved a proposal of importing crude oil through a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement under the direct procurement method for processing at Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL) in 2026.
The proposal was placed by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division during the committee meeting held at Bangladesh Secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair.
After review, the committee endorsed the move, noting that the import is essential to ensure uninterrupted supply and refining operations at ERL, the country’s lone state-owned oil refinery.
Meanwhile, another agenda item placed by the Commerce Ministry seeking in-principle approval to include tea in the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh’s (TCB) list of essential commodities, and to procure it either through direct purchase or other applicable methods was withdrawn with the permission of the chair.
The placement of the proposal was deferred following the Commerce Ministry’s request.