Pakistan’s fertilizer supply chain is under severe strain due to ongoing sit-ins and road blockades in Sindh, threatening the timely distribution of essential agricultural inputs during the critical Kharif season. The disruption has significantly impacted the operations of two of the country’s largest fertilizer producers, Fauji Fertilizer in Mirpur Mathelo and Engro Fertilizers in Daharki, both of which are now struggling with delayed shipments and halted logistics.
The blockade of the National Highway has nearly paralyzed the movement of goods, causing major delays in urea supply and raw material transportation. This has created a bottleneck effect across the country, as limited storage capacity at production sites is unable to absorb the backlog. If the situation persists, Pakistan could face urea shortages, affecting farmers’ ability to cultivate key Kharif crops such as cotton, sugarcane, and rice, potentially leading to lower crop yields and increased food prices.
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The crisis extends beyond agriculture. Over 3,500 trucks, many carrying export goods, perishable items, and critical industrial supplies, are stranded, especially around Sukkur. This has resulted in a severe gridlock in the supply chain, affecting not only domestic industries but also threatening Pakistan’s export commitments. Delays at Karachi Port are also compounding problems for manufacturers awaiting raw materials, risking further production slowdowns and missed international delivery deadlines.
The economic implications are profound, with potential setbacks in inflation control and economic recovery efforts. Immediate action from both provincial and federal governments is needed to restore transport routes and ensure the smooth flow of goods to prevent further deterioration of agricultural productivity and industrial stability.
