13 lakh tonnes fertiliser awaits transportation at ports

New Delhi, Jan 10 (UNI) Despite huge imports, there is shortage of fertilisers all over the country for lack of transportation at different ports and inadequate number of racks for supply and distribution.

Around 13 lakh tonnes of fertiliser material (Urea, DAP&MOP) is waiting transportation at different ports. Fertilisers are given low priority in berthing too, according to industry sources.

It is alleged that in some parts of the country, fertilisers are sold on higher prices taking advantage of lack of proper planning in imports.

The Government has been asking Fertiliser Industry to make fertiliser available in remote areas also, but the industry is finding it difficult for various reasons.

The fertiliser producers complain that the freight subsidy given to them is inadequate and non-payment of subsidy had already amounted to Rs 10,000 crore to the industry.

They say all sorts of material, food grains, coal, fertiliser are being imported simultaneously with the result the ports are chocked.

Since priority is being given to imported material, indigenous supply is not getting adequate number of racks resulting in shortage in many parts of the country, industry sources said.

UNI