ISLAMABAD: Fertilizer offtake in Pakistan is expected to increase by 0.9 percent during the Rabi season 2026-27 compared to the previous year, driven by higher projected demand for urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP).
According to an official document, urea consumption during the 2026-27 Rabi season is estimated at 3.596 million tons, compared to 3.563 million tons during Rabi 2025-26, reflecting an increase of 0.9 percent. The DAP offtake is projected at 838,000 tons, based on the average consumption over the past five years, representing a 0.4 percent increase over the previous season.
The document estimates total urea availability at 3.95 million tons during Rabi 2026-27, comprising 765,000 tons of opening stocks and 3.185 million tons of domestic production.
Meanwhile, DAP availability is projected at 766,000 tons against anticipated offtake of 838,000 tons. The resulting supply-demand gap of around 72,000 tonnes is expected to be met through imports by the private sector.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain on Tuesday issued directives for the timely availability of fertilizers, particularly urea and DAP in the Rabi season.
He issued these directives during a meeting of the Fertilizer Review Committee to assess fertilizer availability, market prices, distribution arrangements, and supply requirements for the ongoing Rabi cropping season.
The minister expressed satisfaction over the overall fertilizer supply situation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining sufficient stocks to meet farmers’ requirements throughout the Rabi season.
The committee reviewed the prevailing stock position, domestic production, supply chain arrangements, and anticipated fertilizer demand during the wheat sowing season. Officials briefed the meeting on measures being undertaken to maintain a balanced supply across the country and ensure the smooth movement of fertilizers to agricultural markets.
The minister directed the concerned authorities to strengthen market surveillance and maintain close coordination with relevant departments and fertilizer manufacturers to prevent supply disruptions.
He stressed that artificial shortages, hoarding, and unjustified price increases would not be tolerated, and that appropriate action must be taken against those involved in market manipulation.
“Farmers are the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, and ensuring their access to essential agricultural inputs at reasonable prices is our foremost responsibility. The government is closely monitoring fertilizer supplies and will take all necessary measures to safeguard farmers’ interests,” the minister stated.
He said that the timely availability of fertilizers is particularly critical for achieving wheat production targets and improving agricultural productivity. He asked the relevant department to ensure regular assessments of fertilizer demand and availability should continue throughout the cropping season, with particular attention to major wheat-producing areas.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026