The Centre has hiked the dealers’ margin for urea sold through point of sales (POS) devices to Rs 354 per tonne from April 1, helping over 20,000 fertiliser dealers and distributors to rake in higher revenue, an official release from the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers said on Thursday.
At present, private agencies and co-operatives selling urea are paid Rs 180 and Rs 200 per tonne, respectively. The decision would increase the subsidy burden of the government by about Rs 515 crore, the release said.
Fertiliser dealers have been demanding higher margins following the implementation of direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme for the fertiliser sector, national rollout of which was planned by June 30.
“Around 23,000 dealers/distributors across the country are likely to be benefited by the decision which would enhance their financial viability post DBT implementation,” the release said.