Fertiliser prices have continued their upward trend for the month of June with CAN hitting the €300/t mark in some places. It is rare that fertiliser prices don’t retreat somewhat into the summer months.

However, industry reports suggest further increases in the next six to eight weeks and so those with fertiliser to purchase for the remainder of the season might consider doing so sooner rather than later.

Shortages still remain on a global scale and occasional delays of shipments entering the country have occurred in recent weeks.

Increased demand due to an increase in the global cropping area, as well as higher gas prices and urea shortages, are all playing their part in the price rise.

Potash, which had avoided much of the increases in price so far this season, has also jumped in recent weeks, but demand remains strongest for nitrogen products, particularly urea.

Pressure on urea has, in turn, led to pressure on products like CAN.

Current prices

Many will be filling the spreader again in the coming days and weeks after the silage harvest.

A quick round-up of prices this week leaves CAN at between €275/t and €300/t, while 18-6-12 is generally trading at €375/t to €400/t.

Protected urea containing 46% N is running at prices of €440/t to €480/t.

These prices are based on 500kg bags delivered and will vary depending on a range of factors such as speed of payment, for example.