The second consignment of rice that the government purchased from Vietnam has arrived at the Chittagong Port. The ship carrying 27,000 tons of rice anchored at the Kutubdia outer anchorage. The third consignment would arrive on July 21. And 60% of the total imported rice from Vietnam would be unloaded at Chittagong port while the rest 40% at Mongla Port. Govt has purchased 200,000 tons of white rice at $430 per ton and 50,000 tons of parboiled rice at $470 per ton from Vietnam to maintain immediate availability of stock in the market, as well as reserves. The country’s rice stock has hit a five year low, at 193,000 tons. Amid the soaring prices of rice, the government on June 20 decided to cut the duty on the staple food import by 18%. Bangladesh produces around 34 million tons of rice annually but uses almost all its production to feed its population of 160 million. It often requires imports, however, to cope with shortages caused by natural calamities like floods and droughts.