The federal government has directed strict action against any artificial increase in fertilizer prices and warned against hoarding or profiteering in the market, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday.
The directive came during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, which reviewed the availability, pricing, and distribution of fertilizers for the ongoing Kharif season and preparations for the upcoming Rabi season.
The meeting was attended by provincial agriculture ministers, representatives of fertilizer manufacturing companies, importers, and senior officials from relevant departments.
Officials were informed that all ten fertilizer plants in the country are fully operational, and more than one million tonnes of urea are currently available in the market.
Participants confirmed that there is no nationwide shortage of urea and that existing stocks are sufficient to meet farmers’ needs.
The minister appreciated the efforts of fertilizer producers and relevant departments in maintaining a steady supply despite global price fluctuations, regional tensions, and economic uncertainty.
However, Rana Tanveer Hussain took serious notice of reports of price increases in some areas and instructed authorities to closely monitor the market.
He emphasized that transportation or operational cost pressures must not be passed on to farmers, and warned that hoarding, profiteering, and artificial shortages would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Representatives of fertilizer companies assured the meeting that there had been no significant increase in the official retail price of urea, and pledged continued cooperation with the government to ensure a stable supply.
Provincial officials from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan reported satisfactory availability of urea in their regions, though concerns were raised about logistical challenges and law-and-order issues affecting supply in some remote areas.
The meeting also reviewed the situation of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer.
While current stocks for the Kharif season were described as adequate, participants warned that rising global prices, supply chain uncertainties and higher raw material costs could create challenges for the upcoming Rabi season if timely measures are not taken.