ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on Saturday condemned the unilateral price hike of Sarsabz Urea fertilizer by Fatima Fertilizer Limited.
He expressed deep concern over an increase of Rs561 per urea bag and directed the fertilizer company to withdraw this unilateral increase. He said the fertilizer company must provide solid justification for sudden increases in the price of Sarsabz Urea.
The Minister highlighted that there has been no increase in gas prices for the fertilizer industry, adding that an increase in the price of urea fertilizer without a corresponding increase in gas prices is unacceptable and unjustified.
He said in case of failure to provide solid justification, the Ministry of Industries and Production would determine prices according to the laws. He highlighted the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests and ensuring the stability of fertilizer prices.
The Minister said the efforts are being made in collaboration with provinces to eliminate hoarding of fertilizers while mechanisms are also being developed to check the availability of real-time stock of fertilizers in the country.
The fertilizer companies should provide facilities to enhance farmers’ productivity across the country, he added.