Pakistan currently holds urea buffer stocks of 829,000 tonnes, with fertiliser manufacturers assuring that there will be no shortage during the ongoing Kharif season, according to industry officials.
The Fertiliser Manufacturers of Pakistan Advisory Council (FMPAC) confirmed that the available stocks are sufficient to meet domestic agricultural demand during the critical sowing period of Kharif crops, including rice, cotton, maize, and sugarcane.
Executive Director of FMPAC, Brigadier Sher Shah Malik (retd), stated that most fertiliser plants across the country are operating at full capacity. However, he noted operational constraints at certain facilities, including gas supply shortages affecting production at some plants.
According to industry data, Fatima Fertilizer’s Sheikhupura plant is currently not receiving gas, while Fauji Fertilizer Company’s Bin Qasim plant is operating at reduced capacity due to receiving 32 mmcfd of gas against a requirement of 60 mmcfd. This has resulted in an estimated production loss of around 100,000 tonnes.
Despite these constraints, officials maintain that the overall supply position remains stable due to strong inventory levels and controlled market supply.
Market observers also noted that recent restrictions on urea smuggling to neighbouring regions have helped improve domestic availability and stabilize prices. However, fertiliser prices have seen a moderate increase, driven by freight costs and market adjustments.
Agricultural stakeholders, including farmer groups, have stressed the importance of ensuring timely and affordable availability of urea, particularly as the Kharif sowing window begins.
The Ministry of National Food Security and industry representatives have reiterated that continuous monitoring of supply chains, gas allocation, and pricing will be essential to maintain stability throughout the season.
