Fertilizer offtake jumps 53% in August 2025

September 25, 2025 (MLN): Fertilizer consumption in Pakistan witnessed a strong performance in August 2025, as overall nutrient offtake increased by 53.4% year-on-year, according to the latest Monthly Fertilizer Review released by the National Fertilizer Development Centre (NFDC).

Cumulative figures for the ongoing Kharif season (April–August) show a modest 15.9% increase, indicating resilience in agricultural demand amid fluctuating market conditions.

In August, urea offtake was at 2,676,000 tonnes, registering an increase of 12.4% compared to the same month last year. Similarly, DAP consumption increased by 8.7%, to 552,000 tonnes.

Nutrient-wise, nitrogen offtake increased by 50.7%, phosphate by 69.3%. Potash, though consumed in smaller volumes, recorded a notable increase of 49.3%, reflecting a shift in regional cropping patterns or targeted soil management practices.

Table 1: Fertilizer Offtake – August 2025 vs August 2024

Over the first four months of the Kharif season, total nutrient offtake reached 1.6 million tonnes, up by 15.9% in the same period last year. Urea demand rose by 12.4%, reaching 2.67 million tonnes, while DAP consumption also increased by 8.7% to 552,000 tonnes. Nitrogen usage increased by 13.8%, and potash saw a healthy rise of 49.3%, though phosphate had the highest jump of 69.3%.

Table 2: Cumulative Offtake – Kharif 2025 vs Kharif 2024

Domestic fertilizer production in August 2025 totaled 835,000 tonnes, with urea was at 597,000 tonnes. Other significant contributors included NP (80,000 tonnes) and CAN (71,000 tonnes). Imports remained modest, led by DAP at 50,000 tonnes and SOP at 6,000 tonnes.

Table 3: Domestic Production – August 2025

Regionally, urea offtake rose sharply in Punjab by 49.8% and in Sindh by 51%, while Balochistan recorded at 21%. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) saw a modest increase of 1%.

DAP offtake increased by 39%, 119% and 96% in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, respectively while its offtake decreased by 7.6% in KP.

Table 4: Province-wise Offtake – August 2025

NFDC’s supply-demand projections for the remainder of Kharif 2025 suggest a comfortable buffer. Urea availability is estimated at 4.27 million tonnes against a projected demand of 3.17 million tonnes, while DAP availability stands at 1,017,000 tonnes versus a demand of 703,000 tonnes.

On the pricing front, domestic fertilizer prices showed mixed trends. Urea (Sona) declined slightly by 0.6% to Rs. 4,400 per 50 kg bag, while other urea brands dropped by 1.2%. DAP prices rose by 3.7% to Rs. 13,508 per bag. NP and SSP also saw price increases of 4.1% and 2.1%, respectively. Internationally, urea and DAP prices declined in key markets such as China and Middle East.

Table 5: Domestic Fertilizer Prices – August 2025

With sufficient buffer stocks and steady domestic production, the fertilizer supply chain is expected to remain stable through the remainder of the Kharif season. However, the sharp decline in DAP consumption and regional disparities in offtake patterns warrant close monitoring by policymakers and market stakeholders.

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