3 closed fertiliser factories to resume from Nov

The government is moving to restart three state-owned fertiliser factories by November to boost domestic production and reduce dependence on imports, while the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) plans to increase annual fertiliser output to 2.7 million metric tonnes within the next three to five years.

According to BCIC sources, four of the corporation's seven fertiliser factories are currently operational. Three others-- the TSP Complex Limited (TSPL) and the DAP Fertilizer Company Limited (DAPFCL) in Chattogram, and the Ashuganj Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited (AFCCL) in Brahmanbaria-- remain shut due to shortages of gas and raw materials.

Preparations are underway to resume operations after ensuring adequate supplies of gas and raw materials and completing necessary repairs.

BCIC Chairman Md Babul Mia told Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) that the Ashuganj plant requires an uninterrupted gas supply at the prescribed pressure to restart production.

The TSP and DAP plants, meanwhile, need adequate supplies of raw materials. Coordination is underway with the relevant agencies to address these requirements, he said.


Bangladesh's annual urea demand stood at 2.6 million tonnes during the fiscal year, with domestic production meeting approximately 42.34 per cent of that requirement.


Increasing local production would reduce import expenditure and save foreign currency, he said.


The corporation aims to raise annual fertiliser production to 2.7 million tonnes within three to five years.

Achieving that target, however, will depend on uninterrupted supplies of gas and raw materials, adequate investment and effective maintenance of the plants.

BCIC expects the planned measures to reduce reliance on imported fertilisers, ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves and improve the availability of fertilisers to meet farmers' needs.