ISLAMABAD, April 29: The government is likely to postpone the proposed export of 50,000 metric tons surplus urea to Afghanistan and other countries.

Well-placed sources told Dawn on Tuesday that the government may have to do this because of the lack of coordination and consensus on export of surplus urea among the ministries of industries; food, livestock and agriculture (MINFAL); and commerce.

The MINFAL in its meeting declared 50,000 metric tons urea as surplus and asked the ministry of commerce to invite bids for its export to Afghanistan and other countries.

The sources said that Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), through a public notice, invited applications for export contracts and around 91 parties applied under the scheme.

According to the sources, the last date was extended from April 30 to May 31 by MINFAL but still the ministry of commerce was reluctant to allow the export of urea.

The decision was taken following the reservation of the ministry of industries that before inviting applications for export registration it was not taken into confidences, added the sources.