ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Secretary for Industries, Pir Haider Ali Shah on Thursday informed the National Assembly that there was no shortage of fertilizers in the country and 0.2 million tons fertilizers has already been imported for the current season.
Replying to a Calling Attention Notice raised by Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, Nisar Tanveer and others regarding increase in the prices of fertilizers and non-release of subsidy announced in fiscal year 2010-2011, he said that the prices of fertilizers were increased due to shortage of gas and sales tax.
Fertilizers factories remained closed for 45 days in winter season due to shortage of gas, he added.
Haider Ali said that currently fertilizer was available at Rs.1300 per bag and it would further decrease at Rs.240 per bag if required gas is provided to the fertilizer companies.
He said that the Prime Minister has directed the provinces to stop further increase in the prices of fertilizers and the Finance Minister has also assured that the prices of fertilizers will remain constant.
Replying to a question of Nisar Tanveer, the Parliamentary Secretary said that Rs.1 billion subsidy announced in the current fiscal year for fertilizer has been transferred to food and agriculture department of the provinces.
He urged the provincial governments to check unfair practice of fertilizers hoarding in their respective provinces.
Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011
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