ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Pakistan on Thursday reviewed its fertilizer supplies and urged steps to avoid shortages during key cropping seasons, as global disruptions linked to the Iran war raise concerns over prices and availability of farm inputs.
The move comes as Islamabad seeks to shield its agriculture sector from potential supply shocks, with the ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz risking disruptions to global fertilizer trade. A significant share of urea and ammonia exports originates in Gulf countries and passes through the strategic waterway, making it a critical chokepoint for agricultural supply chains.
Pakistan is currently in the final stages of the Rabi season — the winter crop cycle that includes wheat — while preparing for the Kharif season starting in the coming months, when crops such as rice, cotton and maize are sown, making timely fertilizer availability crucial for yields.
Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain held a meeting to review the fertilizer situation, though Pakistan is partly protected from supply shocks since it produces much of its urea domestically.
However, regional tensions can still affect local prices amid already high fertilizer costs.
“Rana Tanveer Hussain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted availability of fertilizers at affordable prices as a cornerstone of national food security,” said an official statement circulated by his ministry after the meeting.
“He directed all stakeholders to maintain close coordination, enhance transparency in supply chains, and take proactive measures to address emerging challenges in order to avoid any shortages during critical cropping seasons.”
Officials said during the meeting the Rabi season remained stable, supported by sufficient inventories and steady offtake.
However, concerns were raised about future supply pressures, including gas constraints affecting local production and the adequacy of buffer stocks during peak demand months later this year.
Officials also warned that fertilizer demand could rise in the upcoming Kharif season due to improved farm economics, while higher input costs and weaker purchasing power could limit farmers’ ability to apply optimal quantities, potentially affecting crop yields.
The meeting also highlighted risks of smuggling due to a sharp gap between domestic and international fertilizer prices, prompting calls for tighter monitoring to ensure local availability.