Following the directives of the federal government, on July 7, 2013 TCP issued a gallop tender for the import of 0.3 million tons of urea through international suppliers to meet the domestic shortfall. The tender was opened on July 22, 2013 and some 13 pre-qualified bidders participated in the tender. One bidder was found non-responsive, while remaining 12 were responsive in terms of prescribed evaluation criteria. The responsive bidder quoted prices in the range of $317.00 to $338.87 per ton (C&F).
As per the tender terms and conditions, bidders can submit bids for a minimum quantity of 75,000 as against total quantity of 0.3 million tons. In response to TCP urea import tender, most of the offers were for supply of 75,000 to 125,000 tons against tender quantity of 300,000 tons. The lowest bid was submitted by Swiss Singapore, which offered to supply 75,000 tons of urea at $317 per ton (C&F) with another optional supply of 75,000 tons at same rate. Conforming to the technical specifications and terms & conditions of the tender and keeping in view the competitiveness and consonance of the price in the international market, TCP accepted Swiss Singapore offer and accordingly the contract was awarded.
Sources said as the price matching was not allowed in the tender and lowest bidder offer was on for 75,000 tons of urea, TCP has issued a new tender for the import of 0.225 million tons of urea from international resources. Meanwhile, M/s Helm quoted a price of $317.74 per ton for supply of 100,000 tons, M/s Dreymoor Fert offered to supply 105,000-125,000 tons of urea at $318.72, M/s Blue Deebaj submitted bid of $319.75 per ton for 75,000 ton of the commodity and M/s Liven Agrichem quoted a price of $323.95 per ton for 100,000 tons urea. Similarly, M/s Multi Comm submitted bid for supply of 100,000 tons at $324.93 per ton, M/s Indagro price was $325.78 for a quantity of 100,000 tons, Key Trade offered to supply 80,000 tons of urea at $326.30 and Agri Comm price was $327.90 per ton for 100,000 tons urea. M/s Quantum offered to supply 110,000 tons of urea at $329.50 per ton, M/s Transmmonia bid was $330.17 for a quantity of 100,000 tons and M/s CHS quoted a price of $338.87 per ton for supply of 100,000 tons.