Govt likely to reduce further subsidy on DAP, MoP for 2012-13

15 Feb 2012 Evaluate

The government is likely to reduce further the subsidy on non-urea imports in the wake of falling international prices and a strengthening rupee. Consumers can expect prices of fertilisers like di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and muriate of potash (MoP) to rise. Earlier in April 2010, the prices of phosphatic and potassium fertilisers like DAP and MoP was freed from the government control, even though it continues to offer subsidy to keep prices down. This is done to keep the prices low.

However last month, the inter-ministerial committee (IMC) had decided to reduce the subsidy on DAP and MoP to Rs 15,000 a tonne for the 2012-13 fiscal from the existing level of Rs 19,763 a tonne and Rs 16,054 a tonne, respectively. The IMC still feels that there is more room for subsidy cuts due to falling international prices and a stronger rupee. Therefore in its meeting held early this month, it was decided to reduce the subsidy further to Rs 14,350 a tonne on DAP and Rs 14,400 a tonne on MoP.

The new subsidy rates shall be applicable for 2012-13 and are subject to the Cabinet clearance. India imports almost half of its requirement of DAP and almost entire requirement of MoP. Retail price of DAP is ruling at around Rs 20,000 per tonne and MOP is available at Rs 12,000 per tonne. The subsidy is benchmarked against the global prices. So, if international rates are coming down, subsidy too has to be reduced.

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