ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Industries and Production Sunday said the government had decided to import a total 225,000 tonnes of urea aimed at controlling the essential fertiliser’s prices in the country. According to the ministry, the urea price has increased from Rs 841 per 50 kg bag in October 2010 to Rs 1060 per in January 2011 by the manufacturers claiming it to be a consequence of the curtailed gas supply and loss in production.
However, they have also made commitment that increase in urea prices would be revoked if gas supply is restored to the fertiliser industry as committed in the Fertiliser Policy. The commitment was made by the representatives in a meeting held in the Ministry of Industries and Production last month to discuss the price situation of urea in the country, an official said.
About the import of fertiliser, a senior official of the ministry said the country would be self-sufficient in urea production after coming into production of the under construction Engro Urea Plant having a total capacity of 1.3 million tons. Meanwhile, a study was conducted for planning to meet the country’s future needs, which recommended establishing a new urea/DAP plant based on the findings of Arthur D Little study by 2015.
Such a plant would be most viable if located at a port, the official said.
Government to import 225,000 tonnes of urea
