Deputy Prime Minister asks fertilizers factories owners to reduce prices

Islamabad:A high level meeting under the chairmanship of Pakistan Muslim League senior central leader and Deputy Prime Minister Ch Parvez Elahi in which situation regarding adequate supply of fertilizers for Rabi crop 2012-13, its transparent transportation to the consumers, reduction in prices of fertilizers bags and supply of gas to fertilizers factories in winter was reviewed and it was decided that the fertilizers factories should give proposals for reducing prices so that farmers get fertilizers for Rabi crop 2012-13 on reasonable prices.

During the meeting Advisor to the Prime Minister on Petroleum, and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain apprised regarding gas situation in winter season. The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary Industries Shafqat Naghmi, Secretary Planning and Development Javed Malik, Additional Secretary Ministry of Petroleum Naeem Malik, Finance Ministry and fertilizers companies’ representatives. Addressing the meeting, Ch Parvez Elahi said that sowing of wheat season is about to commence in the country and during this season ensuring supply of fertilizers is our first priority, agriculture is the backbone of the national economy, prior to Rabi sowing Urea supply will be ensured, farmers interests will be protected, Urea supply in the country will be reviewed from time to time and according to the situations all obstacles in supply of fertilizers will be removed.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that due to shortage of gas in the country presently the fertilizers factories are not producing fertilizers according to their full capacity, we are making efforts by using all our resources to ensure supply of fertilizers in the country and for this, even if we have to import fertilizers from abroad the needful will be without any delay. He said supply of fertilizers all over the country, sale at reasonable prices and curbing of hoarding are the big challenges confronting Rabi 2012-13, we are fully aware of these challenges and would meet these challenges successfully. He maintained that if big stocks of fertilizers are available in the country then hoarding and undue profiteering of the commodity can be curbed.

Dr Asim Hussain said that according to the agreement supply of gas to the fertilizers factors during winter season remains suspended but in view of special interest of Ch Parvez Elahi, we would make all out efforts to provide gas to the fertilizers factories.