There are four refineries of T PRA . Fertilizer industry is one of the key industries for Turkey, which has vast agricultural potential. Fertilizer production started in 1939 on a small scale at Karab k Iron and Steel Works with the production of ammonium sulfate. The first independent fertilizer plant commenced production in 1954. Heavy fertilizer investments were realized during the 2nd and 3rd Five Year Plan periods.
Today there are six companies producing fertilizers exclusively.
Ege G bre are in the private sector. The private sector operates 9 plants. Fertilizer production of Turkey reached about 4 million tons in 1999. Pharmaceuticals, soap and detergents, soda, chromium chemicals, boron chemicals, paints, sodium sulphate and fatty acids are other main areas of production of the chemical industry. The Turkish pharmaceutical market has a great volume due to the country's population of about 65 million.