June 27, 2007

India seeks 1 million tonnes of wheat via tender

India issued a tender on Tuesday (June 27) to import one million tonnes of wheat at US$300 per tonne, way above prices it dismissed as too expensive in a previous tender.

An official from India's food ministry said the exports would be shipped to the southern ports of Chennai, Vizag, Tuticorin, and Kakinada, and the western ports of Kandla and Mundra.

He said bids would open on July 4, and would be valid until July 10. Shipments would be made between August and November.

India cancelled a tender to import an identical amount of wheat in May, after receiving bids of around US$263 per tonne.

Earlier this month, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said India would need to import 5 million tonnes of wheat between August and December to ensure enough supplies for the next crop year beginning April 2008.