Why has Brazil suspended the order for Covaxin placed with Bharat Biotech?

In a sudden turn of events, Brazil suspended the contract for 20 million doses of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin which is current valued at $320 million. The cancellation was recommended by the Comptroller General of the Union or the CGU following allegations over irregularities in procurement and pricing.

However, President Bolsonaro of Brazil has categorically refuted these allegations as false and misleading. He denied any irregularities in the vaccination procurement and pricing process. The controversy erupted after Brazil ended up paying a price of $15 per dose for Covaxin as against the original quote of $1.34. This is higher than AstraZeneca and Pfizer.