The government is likely to fix price of imported urea at Rs 1660 per bag which is Rs 50 per bag leess as compared to local urea. The decision will be taken by the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet on Monday. Informed sources told Business Recorder that urea is retailing for 1850 in main punjab agricultural markets of Multan, Gujranwala and others. This is Rs 138 above company to dealer price of 1712 and Rs 110 above urea producing company listed retail price of Rs 1740 (inclusive dealer commission).

The source said this black marketing of Rs 110 above listed price is due shortage of urea in market. Imported urea sale price has still not been issued by Government/National fertilizer marketing limited, the sources continued. "Non availability of imported urea for sale is amplifying shortage. The NFML is not paying attention to ECC directive last Wednesday to start selling imported urea," the sources maintained

Analysts say that it is surprise that the NFML is still not able to issue a selling price for imported urea in three days after ECC directive.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2018