The volume of fertiliser moving hands has slowed significantly in the last two weeks due to a change in weather and with it has relieved any pressure that existed on supplies.

All merchants we spoke to have no issue with urea supplies, with stocks replenished. Some merchants have purchased smaller volumes as they are anticipating a switch over as the season progresses to CAN, but all forecast having sufficient supplies to meet demand.

There is very little difference in prices quoted, with all similar at €350/t to €360/t. One merchant anticipates that increased demand for CAN may put upward pressure on price, but it is early days to see if this will materialise, with CAN about €100/t less expensive than urea at €250/t to €260/t.

However, on a cost per unit of nitrogen, urea remains much better value than CAN and is something farmers should consider when purchasing.

Compound fertiliser costs remain unchanged in recent weeks, with only small volumes trading so far. Compound fertilisers with 27 or 24 units of nitrogen are averaging about €350/t, with 18:6:12 coming in at a similar level.

Merchants predict that demand is unlikely to change much in the coming week, with more inclement weather forecast.

Diesel prices steady

Recent fuel prices have steadied. However, all suppliers are stressing the continuing uncertainty in the market.

For a 1,000-litre order, green diesel is ranging from 65c/l to 70c/l, depending on where you are in the country. White diesel delivered is varying from 1.18c/l to 1.25c/l. Fuel companies are saying there is generally a variation of 1c to 2c/l, depending on the quantity purchased and the method and promptness of payment.

Future outlooks suggest that there will be no immediate change in prices. However, all companies stressed the uncertainty in the market, with prices liable to change up to three times per day.

Many suppliers noted a drop in sales of kerosene for the month of January due to the spell of mild weather. However, suppliers have witnessed an increase in kerosene sales for the first two weeks of February.

One supplier’s view was that: “It’s like looking into a crystal ball. It is liable to go up or down at any stage.”

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Special focus: Common sense and management the key to fertiliser application