On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Egypt's fertilizer market experienced a notable stability in prices. This stability occurs amidst an ongoing crisis triggered by the presence of a black market and a significant gap between demand and the officially supplied quantities. The situation reflects the complexities within the country's agricultural sector, which heavily relies on these essential inputs.
According to a recent report from the Local and Global Prices Portal, affiliated with the Information and Decision Support Center, various types of fertilizers showed consistent pricing trends. The prices of ammonium nitrate (nurate) and ammonium sulfate (sulfate), along with urea in its different forms, have been documented. These specifics provide insight into the current market conditions that farmers and stakeholders are navigating.
Focusing on ammonium nitrate, the specialized variant with a 33.5% concentration recorded an average price of 23,360 Egyptian pounds per ton. The prices for this type of nitrate varied significantly, ranging from 20,000 to 29,000 pounds per ton. On the other hand, the regular ammonium nitrate had an average price of 10,638 pounds per ton, with a broader price range of 4,700 to 24,400 pounds per ton. These fluctuations indicate a diverse pricing landscape influenced by multiple factors.
The prices of ammonium sulfate with a 20.6% concentration, specifically the specialized type, averaged 16,913 pounds per ton. The cost of this sulfate variant ranged from 5,180 to 30,000 pounds per ton. Such a wide range suggests variability in sourcing, distribution, or demand dynamics.
Urea, another critical fertilizer, showed an average price of 24,095 pounds per ton for its specialized form with a 46.5% concentration. The prices for specialized urea ranged from 20,000 to 30,000 pounds per ton. The regular urea, with the same concentration, had a significantly lower average price of 9,724 pounds per ton, with prices ranging from 4,800 to 23,000 pounds per ton. These price points reflect the nuances in production, demand, and possibly governmental or market interventions.
The stability in fertilizer prices is a positive sign for Egyptian farmers who are preparing for the upcoming agricultural seasons. However, the ongoing challenges in the market, including the black market and supply-demand imbalances, require attention from authorities to ensure a stable and accessible supply of fertilizers at reasonable prices.
Monitoring and possibly intervening in the fertilizer market will be crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihoods of those in the agricultural sector. With these dynamics at play, stakeholders will be closely watching future trends and potential governmental responses to these market challenges.
Key points
- The average price of specialized ammonium nitrate is 23,360 pounds per ton.
- The price range for specialized urea is between 20,000 and 30,000 pounds per ton.
- The ongoing market challenges include a black market and a significant gap between demand and officially supplied quantities.
