Khusro Bakhtiar asks Urea plants to increase supplies by 30% to ease down market

ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (SABAH): Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar has asked the Urea plants to increase the Urea supplies by 30 percent countrywide to ease down the market.

Presiding the weekly fertiliser review meeting in Islamabad on Friday, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar directed Petroleum Division to assure the gas supplies to urea plants as per revised gas supply priority orders.

The meeting reviewed the supply-chain situation and production trajectory of fertilisers’ plants.

The industry informed that output of plants has been increased. It is evident that upto 20,000 metric ton production of urea on daily basis has been reported on an average.

Provincial departments briefed the meeting about punitive measures undertaken against hoarders and profiteers, which has resulted in significant price reduction in urea bag close to notified price of 1768 per bag.

The Minister commended the efforts of industry to ensure the adequate urea supplies across the country.

Furthermore, it was reiterated that government and industry will continue to maintain constant vigilance over the situation to avoid any market disturbance.

The meeting concluded with guidelines for industry to device the modalities for smooth supply chain of urea in order to address any supply anomalies as well as expedite the media campaigns for awareness of farmers to not engage in panic buying and register complaints of overcharging and hoarding in their locality.