Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to ensure the timely provision of fertiliser to farmers at all costs and ordered continuous monitoring of fertiliser supplies to safeguard the country’s food security amid rising global concerns over supply disruptions.
The prime minister chaired a high-level meeting on food security and fertiliser reserves, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting focused on ensuring stable fertiliser availability for farmers during the ongoing Kharif season and upcoming Rabi crops.
Global Fertiliser Crisis Raises Alarm
The development comes as farmers worldwide face another sharp rise in fertiliser prices due to tensions linked to the Iran conflict. According to Reuters
, the war has disrupted supply chains and triggered fears of reduced global food production.
The Middle East remains one of the world’s largest fertiliser production hubs, while much of the global fertiliser trade passes through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Shipping activity in the region has slowed significantly because of escalating tensions.
Supplies of urea from major production facilities in Qatar have reportedly been affected, while exports of sulphur and ammonia — critical raw materials used in fertiliser manufacturing — have also declined.
Experts warn that rising fertiliser costs and supply shortages could impact crop yields globally, especially in developing countries heavily dependent on imports.
Government Prioritises Agricultural Sector
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed that fulfilling the agricultural sector’s needs remained the government’s top priority to protect national food security.
He directed relevant ministries and institutions to prepare contingency plans for alternative fertiliser imports from Central Asian states in case supply chains from Gulf countries face further disruptions.
The prime minister also instructed officials to ensure sufficient fertiliser stocks for both Kharif and Rabi crop seasons. He emphasised accelerating work on projects aimed at increasing local fertiliser production through the installation of new plants.
Officials briefed the meeting that adequate fertiliser reserves were currently available for Kharif crops and that uninterrupted gas supplies to fertiliser factories were continuing according to national requirements.
Crackdown Against Hoarding Ordered
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also ordered strict action against artificial shortages and hoarding of fertiliser to prevent exploitation of farmers and maintain price stability in the market.
Authorities have been directed to closely monitor the distribution and availability of fertiliser across the country as concerns grow over potential global shortages.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Ali Pervaiz Malik, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and senior government officials.
Pakistan Diverts Gas Supplies to Fertiliser Plants
Separately, Pakistan has redirected gas supplies away from households and industries toward fertiliser factories to avoid a possible food production crisis.
According to reports presented before the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, authorities diverted gas to urea plants after war-related shipping disruptions limited Pakistan’s ability to import DAP fertiliser.
The committee, chaired by Umer Farooq, reviewed the country’s fuel supply situation, LPG prices, gas access issues, and the suspension of CNG services in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Officials informed lawmakers that the government was carefully managing stocks of crude oil, petrol, diesel, LNG, and LPG amid uncertainty in international markets.
Analysts believe that maintaining stable fertiliser supplies will remain critical for Pakistan’s agricultural economy as global geopolitical tensions continue to impact trade and energy routes.