Vratsa-based chemical plant Chimco reported a record-high 2001 loss of BGN 21,7 M, up BGN 9 M over the previous year. This was announced at the general shareholders' meeting September 7. As much as BGN 15 M of the loss has been incurred by unsold produce. The company's carbamide production has dropped by 40% y/y and its debts - mainly to Bulgargas and the National Electricity Transmission Company - currently exceed BGN 200 M. The major obstacle that the beleaguered company faces in the price of natural gas. We expect the government to keep its promise for lower natural gas prices and safeguard customs duties on carbamide imports, Valentin Dimitrov, chairman of the Association of Fertilizer Industry, said. The plant will resume production in October when demand for fertilisers is expected to increase.