950825

Loadshedding

may hurt

urea output

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: As a sequel to the permission given by the government to the thermal stations allowing them to use natural gas for power generation following a decline in hydel power production, the gas transmission companies have had to resort to loadshedding to the fertilizer producing units.

If the gas loadshedding affects the output of the fertilizer producing units, the government may have to allow import of 100,000 tons of urea this year, said Shaukat Mirza, Chief of Engro Urea.

However, the rabi and kharif crop performance will figure in taking a decision with regard to urea imports.

The total requirement of urea in Pakistan is estimated around 3 million tons. Although the present level of output of urea is upto the mark, the fertilizer sector is in favour of urea imports.