Our imports have drastically reduced to 0.55mn ton from 2.38mn tons in the previous year. Therefore if India restrains from importing international prices would consolidate around these levels and domestic prices would definitely be competitive. These are short term measures. On an average it takes about two years to set up a fertilizer unit and two years hence we would have shortage of urea. We welcome decontrol.
Fertilizer is a highly efficient industry but is overshadowed by government policies.
Decontrol would eliminate unviable units and make it an attractive sector. Secondly, we have a highly efficient plant with good distribution system. The government subsidies have not helped manufacturers rather it has benefited natural gas suppliers. Our cost of natural gas is nearly double the international prices. We want this industry to be free from government clutches it is essential to sustain growth.