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Oil prices rose in international markets at the start of the week due to renewed war tensions in the Gulf region and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, most Asian stock markets showed a declining trend. This has also increased investor concerns about global inflation and interest rates.
There has been a major shift in Bangladesh's wheat import market. For a long time, Russia and Ukraine were the country's main wheat suppliers. However, in the fiscal year 2025-26, for the first time, Argentina has emerged as Bangladesh's largest wheat exporter, surpassing these two countries.
Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the government has decided to import 480,000 metric tonnes of fuel oil to strengthen the country's energy security. This initiative has been taken to meet domestic demand, keep industrial and commercial activities running, and ensure a 90-day fuel reserve.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury is presenting the budget proposal for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the National Parliament.
In the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate on fridges, refrigerators, and air conditioners (ACs) is being halved. Currently, there is a 15 percent VAT on locally produced fridges, refrigerators, and ACs at the manufacturing stage.
