Govt seeks to reassure nation on fertiliser stocks
The caretaker government machinery scrambled on Tuesday to assure the nation that the country has sufficient fertiliser stocks and that all fertiliser plants will be provided with an uninterrupted gas supply throughout the ongoing winter season to maximise production. “All plants will be running at full capacity throughout the current winter season… to ensure a consistent and sufficient local supply of fertiliser to farmers,” Caretaker Minister for Petroleum Muhammad Ali said at a press conference along with Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production Asad Rehman Gilani. Meanwhile, Mr Bugti gave hoarders a 24-hour deadline to end an “artificial shortage” of fertilisers or be ready to face the consequences. Mr Ali specifically emphasised that Fatima Fertiliser and Agritech, which remain closed for three months during winter, would continue to operate at full capacity this year.