Operations at Bangladesh’s only state-owned diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser plant in Chattogram’s Anwara Upazila have come to a halt due to an acute shortage of ammonia, a crucial raw material required for production.
Plant officials said production was suspended at around 8pm on Saturday after ammonia supplies ran out, leaving authorities with no alternative but to shut down the facility.
The DAP Fertiliser Company Limited (DAPFCL), which plays a significant role in supporting the country’s agricultural needs, is now awaiting the resumption of ammonia supply to restart operations.
Alamgir Jalil, manager and head of administration at DAPFCL, confirmed the situation, explaining that the factory relies entirely on ammonia supplied by two major fertiliser producers - Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Limited (CUFL) and Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited (KAFCO). However, both of these plants have remained closed since 4 March due to a shortage of gas, disrupting the entire supply chain.
“As long as CUFL and KAFCO remain shut, we cannot operate. Without ammonia, production is simply not possible,” he said.
Established under the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), the DAP fertiliser plant was set up to promote balanced fertiliser use and meet the increasing demand for compound fertilisers containing nitrogen and phosphorus - essential nutrients for crop growth.
Located in Rangadia of Anwara Upazila, the factory comprises two production units - DAP-1 and DAP-2 - with a combined capacity of around 800 tonnes per day. Since commencing commercial production in 2006, the facility has been contributing significantly to the country’s fertiliser supply.
Under normal conditions, the plant produces between 600 and 700 tonnes of DAP fertiliser daily. The ongoing shutdown is expected to impact supply if the situation persists, particularly at a time when demand for fertiliser remains high in the agricultural sector.
