ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtyar on Wednesday directed the officials of the Petroleum Division to ensure the supply of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG)/gas to fertiliser plants to meet the target of local production of urea fertiliser.

In the wake of the plans to fulfill the demand of urea fertiliser during the coming Rabi sowing season, the consultative meeting was held here under the chairmanship of Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtyar, a statement said.

The chair was told that the projected requirement of urea fertiliser is estimated around 3.2 million tonnes for the Rabi season 2021/22.

However, the urea demand would be met by domestic production, officials apprised the minister.

The minister said this would ensure the timely availability of fertiliser to farmers and enhance the agricultural output to meet the requirement of food crops in the country.

Bakhtyar also said that the domestic production of urea fertilisers would slash the urea imports; thus, had huge relief on import bill and balance of payments, moreover, it would ensure availability of fertiliser for farmers at affordable prices.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of the fertiliser industry, senior officials of the Petroleum Division, Finance Division and Ministry of National Food Security and Research.