PM Imran regretted that this disparity has benefited the hoarders as a result of which artificial shortage has been created. He said that the government is providing Rs120 billion subsidy on gas to the fertilizer industry along with Rs100 billion worth tax incentives: Yet the fertilizer companies are supplying extra amount of fertilizer to specific dealers in some areas which reports indicate are involved in hoarding.
However, he lamented that mafias are busy in profiteering rather than caring for interest of consumers. The prime minister emphasised that PTI government has introduced farmer friendly policies for the first time in the history of the country. The prime minister expressed serious concern over the disproportionate stock distribution of urea and directed that fertilizer be provided to other areas as per requirement of farmers. The meeting was informed that there is 6.6 million metric tons of public wheat stock available while as adequate stock of fertilizer will be available for the Rabi crop in 2021: Both stocks are adequate to meet the requirements of the country.Īccording to data collected, the meeting was informed that fertilizer companies based in Sindh have provided abnormally greater stock to some dealers in Sindh as compared to dealers in other areas of the country where it is required for meeting cultivation demands. “Stern action will be taken against those fertilizer manufacturers who in connivance with some dealers may be acting as mafia to create artificial shortages to escalate prices,” said the prime minister.
He made it clear there is no shortage of essential commodities in the country. The premier said profiteers and hoarders are the enemies of the public and called strict administrative and legal action must be taken against them. PM Imran was presiding over a high level meeting to review wheat and fertilizer stock in the country. The federal government may intervene under relevant legal provisions to compensate for inaction of Sindh government, as this inaction by Sindh government is adversely affecting the supply and prices of fertilizer throughout the country including Sindh. The prime minister said that legal recourse will be taken against hoarders and profiteers and if the provincial government of Sindh does not take effective measures against these anti-people criminals.