Govt allows 4 agencies to import 40m eggs

The government has allowed four agencies to immediately import 40 million eggs to rein in prices, the commerce ministry officials have said.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, commerce ministry Tipu Munshi said each agency will import 10 million eggs.

He said, "Our target is to bring down prices of eggs. As a result, we have given permission to import eggs. We will continue this until prices of eggs come down."

After the skyrocketing price hike of eggs, several companies sought permission to import eggs. Earlier, the commerce minister said the permission will be given if the price of eggs does not decrease.

The commerce ministry gave the permission on Sunday.

Earlier, the commerce ministry fixed prices of three commodities on Thursday. The commodities are: egg, potato and onion. Price of an egg has been fixed at Tk 12. However, eggs are not being sold at this price.

Retailers said they are unable to sell eggs at a price fixed by the government as they are purchasing at higher price from the wholesale market.

The companies, which are allowed to import eggs, are: Mim Enterprise, Prime Energy Importers and Suppliers, Tiger Trading and Ornob Trading Limited. 

Four conditions have been given to import eggs. First, eggs have to be imported from countries free from influenza or bird flu. Second, certificates regarding free from avian influenza or bird flu against each consignment of eggs from the concerned authorities of exporting countries have to be submitted.

Besides, banned commodities cannot be imported and other restrictions of the government have to be abided by. Two such conditions have been mentioned in the letters sent to the importers.

Commerce secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh said eggs have to be imported as soon as possible. As eggs have to be imported after opening LC, it will take some time, he added.

According to the livestock ministry, there is a demand of 40 million eggs every day in the country.