TCB to start truck sales of essentials today

The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will begin selling three essential commodities to low-income and poor people through mobile trucks today.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir is expected to inaugurate the programme, according to a press release from the ministry.

Under the initiative, TCB will sell edible oil, sugar and lentils at subsidised rates through 720 mobile trucks across the country.

Each truck will serve around 400 people daily, and the operation will continue for 10 days.

The ministry said TCB is continuing its regular distribution of edible oil, sugar and lentils at subsidised prices among low-income families holding TCB cards.

In Dhaka, 50 trucks will be deployed, while Chattogram city will have 20 trucks. In the remaining six divisional cities, 15 trucks will operate in each city.

Additionally, 10 trucks will be deployed in each of the 56 district towns.

Under the open market sale (OMS), each buyer will be able to purchase up to two litres of edible oil at Tk 130 per litre, one kilogramme (kg) of sugar at Tk 80, and two kgs of lentils at Tk 70 per kg.

The commerce ministry said around 35,000 tonnes of essential commodities will be distributed among 72 lakh TCB card-holding families ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, one of the largest religious festivals for Muslims.