A total of seven cargo ships carrying diammonium phosphate (DAP), muriate of potash (MOP) and triple superphosphate (TSP) are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh this month.

The shipments will bring a total of 250,000 tonnes of fertiliser, including 150,000 tonnes of MOP, 60,000 tonnes of TSP and 40,000 tonnes of DAP, according to sources at the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The authorities are increasing supplies and stockpiles ahead of the Aman and Boro seasons. The process of finalising another 10 or so shipments of DAP, MOP and TSP for arrival next month is also nearing completion, sources said.

According to Ministry of Agriculture documents, two ships carrying 60,000 tonnes of TSP from Morocco are scheduled to arrive this month. One is expected to reach the country on 8 September and the other on 11 September. Another ship carrying 40,000 tonnes of DAP from Morocco is also expected to arrive on 8 September.

According to a report published by a national daily, Bangladesh is importing a total of 150,000 tonnes of MOP from Russia and Canada this month. Russia is supplying 70,000 tonnes in two lots of 35,000 tonnes each, while Canada is supplying 80,000 tonnes in two lots of 40,000 tonnes each.

Two of the four shipments are expected to arrive this week, while the other two are scheduled to reach Bangladesh on 13 and 15 September.

BADC estimates that demand for DAP will reach 1.127 million tonnes during the peak fertiliser season from September to February. Against this, 680,000 tonnes of DAP are currently under import processing or in negotiations for import up to January.

Demand for MOP during the same period is estimated at 672,000 tonnes, against 680,000 tonnes currently under import processing or negotiation.

The demand for TSP is estimated at 519,000 tonnes, while 360,000 tonnes are in the final stages of import processing or under negotiation under government-to-government (G2G) agreements.

A senior BADC official involved in fertiliser imports, speaking on condition of anonymity, said 10 to 12 ships carrying DAP, MOP and TSP would arrive in Bangladesh every month until January.

“The September shipments are already on their way. Loading of some October consignments has been completed, while the remaining ones are being loaded. Letters of credit (LCs) for subsequent shipments will be opened soon,” the official said.

Agricultural economist Jahangir Alam said fertiliser demand remains highest from late October to mid-February, when farmers cultivate winter vegetables, potatoes, onions and maize alongside Boro rice.

“Nearly 40 per cent of the country’s annual fertiliser demand is generated during this season. So, it is important to increase supplies and stockpiles from now, while also boosting domestic production,” he said.

The development comes amid complaints of fertiliser shortages in several districts during the Aman season. In Kurigram, farmers reportedly broke into a dealer’s warehouse and took away fertiliser. The Ministry of Agriculture later took a strict stance and transferred several agriculture officials over alleged negligence in their duties.

The ministry, however, has maintained that there is no fertiliser shortage in the country.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said fertiliser imports were a continuous process, with imports adjusted each month according to demand.

“Although imports from Saudi Arabia and Qatar were suspended for some time due to the war in the Middle East, fertiliser is now being brought through alternative routes. So, there is no uncertainty over fertiliser imports,” he said.