BSCIC lowers iodine price 

Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) has reduced the price of potassium iodate (iodine), the main ingredient in iodised salt. 

The price of potassium iodate per kg has been fixed at Tk2,500 instead of Tk3,000 from 1 January 2021 to ensure production of a moderate amount of iodised salt and supply at a fair price to the consumer, said a press release. 

In a letter signed by BSCIC General Manager and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (CIDD) Project Director Akhil Ranjan Tarafder, the officials and salt mill owners working in eight salt zones of BSCIC were informed about the reduction in the price of potassium iodate on 20 January.

In the 2017-18 financial year, the price of potassium iodate was reduced from Tk4700 per kg to Tk3000.

Potassium iodate is used for iodising salt which is not produced in Bangladesh. It has to be imported from abroad.

70-90 grams of potassium iodate is required to add enough amount of iodine per ton of salt. About 30 metric tons of potassium iodate is used to add iodine to salt every year.

BSIC is the only company to import potassium iodate from abroad and supply it to the salt factory at the price fixed by the government.