The Egyptian government’s decision to increase fertilizer prices on the retail market by 33% has upset rural Egyptians, according to Ahram Online.
The hike comes in line with the government's current efforts to liberalize markets for subsidized products.
In July, fuel prices were increased to cut the state deficit after ratifying a new budget. However, the policy hits farmers the hardest, who pay more for fertilizer, while the prices of major commodities such as wheat and cotton are set by the state.
Farmers activist Adel William said despite the rise in fuel prices in July and fertilizers this month, the government fixed the price of wheat at EGP 420 (about $60) per l'erdeb (150 kg), the same price as last year.
Mohamed Barghash, president of a farmers union, threatened to boycott parliamentary elections scheduled for December if the government insists on the price hike.
According to the new rates, the price per ton of urea increased from EGP 1,500 ($211) to EGP 2,000 ($281), while nitrogen fertilizer prices have reached EGP 1,900. Farmers will pay EGP 100 for 50 kilos of fertilizer instead of EGP 75.