Govt approves exporting 58,000 tonnes of rice bran oil

Dhaka, Tuesday, 23rd September 2025

The Ministry of Commerce has given the green light to 23 firms for exporting 58,000 tonnes of rice bran oil, marking the first major approval since restrictions were imposed earlier this year.

According to an official letter issued on Tuesday, September 23, two firms—Majumder Agrotech International Ltd and Bogura Multi Oil Mills Ltd—secured the largest share, each being allowed to export 10,000 tonnes.

Background: Why the Pause?

In January 2025, the government introduced a rule requiring prior approval for rice bran oil exports. This was aimed at ensuring adequate supply in the local edible oil market, which had been under pressure due to global price fluctuations. Since then, no new export approvals were issued until this latest announcement.

Strong Export Performance

Despite the restrictions, Bangladesh has maintained a strong presence in the global rice bran oil market. In the fiscal year 2024–25, the country exported about 75,000 tonnes of rice bran oil, generating nearly Tk 974 crore, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Industry Response

Traders had been lobbying for months, filing applications with the Commerce Ministry to resume exports. The fresh approval is seen as a positive move for the industry, enabling firms to tap into global demand while balancing local supply concerns.

Looking Ahead

The renewed approval may pave the way for a more streamlined export policy, benefiting both domestic stakeholders and international buyers. However, industry insiders suggest that the government will likely continue to monitor the edible oil market closely before making further relaxations.