STC to Launch 2 New Tenders for Milk and Flour Supply Security

The State Trading Corporation (STC) is preparing to launch new tenders for milk and flour to bolster national stocks as international market volatility, intensified by conflict in the Middle East, threatens the supply of basic goods.

Following a marathon four-hour board meeting on Tuesday, 5 May, the STC confirmed a strategic shift toward “precautionary” procurement.

The body plans to issue a tender shortly to establish a strategic milk reserve, while additional tenders for flour are expected to secure higher volumes and stabilise the local market.

Strategic Stocks and Supply Chains

While current tenders remain in force, a source close to the matter indicated that further developments regarding new suppliers are anticipated by mid-June.

The board’s review covered a broad range of essentials, including pulses, rice, milk, flour, and oil.

The corporation offered assurances regarding edible oil supplies, noting that substantial recent purchases from Moroil have successfully reinforced reserves and mitigated the risk of shortages.

Logistics and Distribution Crisis

Beyond procurement, the board addressed a critical bottleneck in the national distribution network.

The STC currently operates with only two delivery trucks, a fleet deemed “insufficient” to meet the country’s requirements.

To rectify this, the board has sanctioned an expansion of the fleet. The move aims to ensure comprehensive national coverage, specifically targeting consistent supply to remote regions.

Addressing Operational Gaps

The meeting, which concluded at 20:30, also tackled a long-standing human resources deficit.

Several key positions at the STC have remained vacant for up to three years, reportedly hindering the organisation’s efficiency.

In response, the STC has committed to a new recruitment drive to fill these essential roles and strengthen its internal capacity to manage the escalating global supply chain risks.

Source: Defi Media