Falling global prices and policy gaps drive excessive wheat imports in Bangladesh

26 mother vessels carrying nearly 1.5 million tonnes of wheat are stranded at outer anchorage. Importers and port officials say the situation has exposed structural weaknesses in port logistics, including a shortage of lighter vessels needed for unloading. Bangladesh’s annual wheat demand stands at around 7 million tonnes, while domestic production covers only about 1 million tonnes, forcing reliance on imports. However, monthly consumption averages just 500,000–600,000 tonnes, while recent import volumes have nearly doubled that level, putting intense pressure on port operations. As a result, unloading times have stretched from the usual 10–12 days to more than a month, leading to mounting demurrage costs for importers. Traders warn these higher logistics expenses could ultimately be passed on to consumers, raising retail prices despite lower global wheat values. Government officials maintain that wheat remains an import-dependent commodity and that private importers bring in ...