Fertiliser prices decline Rs400/bag on PM Imran Khan’s directive

ISLAMABAD: The fertiliser price has registered an average decrease of Rs400/bag; following the directives issued by Prime Minister Imran Khan for measures against hoarding.

This was disclosed in a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday to review the current stocks and prices of fertiliser in the country.

The meeting was informed that an online portal has been developed to monitor the supply of fertilisers, enabling the provincial and district administrations to keep a check on the fertiliser movement.

The Punjab chief secretary informed the meeting that to check the hoarding of fertiliser, a number of measures have been taken since November 13, 2021, including the registration of 347 first information reports (FIRs), 244 arrests, 21,111 inspections, sealing of 480 godowns, and fines of Rs27.9 million.

Besides, control rooms have been established in every district to receive complaints about the fertiliser shortage, hoarding and profiteering. Check-posts have also been established to curb inter-provincial smuggling of fertilisers, he said.

The meeting was also informed that the laws relating to hoarding and profiteering were also being amended under which the person giving information about the hoarding will be rewarded in proportion to the confiscated goods.

The prime minister directed to continue to take legal action against the elements involved in hoarding and profiteering.

Federal ministers Asad Umar, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Syed Fakhar Imam, Adviser on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin and senior officers were present in the meeting.