The Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has taken decisive action in response to the recent spike in urea fertilizer prices across Pakistan.
During a meeting that included representatives from major fertilizer manufacturers such as Fatima, Engro, and Fauji Fertilizer, Minister Hussain firmly rejected the price increases and demanded that they be rescinded within three days.
Minister Hussain dismissed the fertilizer companies’ justifications for the price hike, labelling the increase as unacceptable. He emphasized that any price adjustments must consider farmers’ economic realities, insisting that sudden and unilateral price hikes will not be tolerated. The fertilizer company officials have been given a three-day window to revert the prices to their previous levels.
Additionally, the minister highlighted the government’s proactive steps to safeguard the agricultural sector, including the decision to import 200,000 metric tons of urea fertilizer, with the potential to increase imports to 500,000 metric tons if necessary to meet domestic demand. This measure aims to ensure an adequate supply of urea for the upcoming Kharif planting season.
The meeting also addressed the need for stringent monitoring to prevent illegal profiteering and hoarding. Provincial authorities have been tasked with enforcing these regulations and engaging with all relevant stakeholders before any future price adjustments are considered.
Minister Hussain reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing farmers’ interests and maintaining stable fertilizer prices, particularly if production costs do not increase correspondingly. He also instructed representatives from the fertilizer companies to devise and present a monthly plan for urea distribution, ensuring transparency and fairness in its availability to farmers. The government’s resolve to potentially increase urea imports underscores its dedication to maintaining agricultural productivity and supporting the farming community.
