Fertiliser prices won’t be increased, Dawood says

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood said on Wednesday that the prices of fertiliser would not be increased until the budget’s impact on the fertiliser industry was worked out in a comprehensive manner.

In a meeting with the Fertiliser Review Committee, the adviser stated that the industry shall not increase the prices of fertiliser until further discussions, a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce reads.

Fauji Fertiliser Company CEO Lt Gen (r) Tariq

Khan, Fatima Fertiliser Company Limited CEO Fawad A. Mukhtar, Fertiliser
Manufacturers of Pakistan Advisory Council (FMPAC) Executive Director Brig (r) Sher
Shah, Industries and Production Secretary Aamir Ashraf Khawaja and Agritech
Limited CEO Muhammad Faisal Muzammil participated in the Fertiliser Review
Committee meeting, which was chaired by Razzaq Dawood.

The adviser stated that relief to farmers and a

working relationship with the industry was among the government’s top
priorities.

He inquired about the recent reports that

fertiliser prices had been increased prior to the meeting. The participants
responded that the decision had been held off due to the commitment to the adviser
and the price increase had been halted.

The adviser appreciated this step by the

industry and encouraged the prospect of a working relationship between the ministry
and the industry, “as only this can guarantee a stable business environment and
relief for the general public, especially the farmers”.

Dawood said that efforts would be made to

ensure gas supply to Fatima Fertilisers Limited and Agritech Limited in order
to keep them operational and to avoid any possible shortages in the upcoming
season.

Discussions were also held on the Gas Infrastructure

Development Cess (GIDC).

It was brought to the adviser’s notice that a

revised Gas Infrastructure Development Cess Act had been ratified by the federal
cabinet and it may soon be passed by the parliament.

“This will help in working out the differences

with the fertiliser industry and will also prove fruitful towards revenue
generation in the country,” the meeting was informed.

As the said matters fell under the purview of the

petroleum and natural resources divisions, the concerned representatives were requested
to ensure that all stakeholders were on the same page regarding the matter.