India is set to receive a major boost to its fertilizer availability as 12 fertilizer ships carrying urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) are expected to transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The development comes as the government assured farmers that sufficient fertilizer stocks are available for the ongoing kharif season.
12 Fertilizer Ships to Strengthen Supplies
At an inter-ministerial briefing on the West Asia situation, the Ministry of Fertilisers said that the expected arrival of 12 fertilizer ships would add 3.3 lakh tonnes of urea and 2.57 lakh tonnes of DAP to the domestic supply chain. The easing of regional tensions is expected to facilitate the smooth movement of these cargoes.
Bandana Preyashi, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Fertilisers, said Indian companies have contracted to import 50 lakh tonnes of fertilizers since March 1. Of this volume, 21.95 lakh tonnes of urea and 4.18 lakh tonnes of DAP have already reached the country.
Current Fertilizer Stocks Remain Comfortable
The government said fertilizer stocks stood at 196.65 lakh tonnes as of June 14, compared with 155.19 lakh tonnes on April 1. The available inventory is expected to support the nutrient requirements of the kharif cropping season.
India’s total fertilizer demand for the April-September period is estimated at 383.9 lakh tonnes. Officials believe the current stock position and the arrival of additional imports will help maintain uninterrupted supplies across the country.
Official data also showed that sales of urea, DAP, muriate of potash (MoP), complex fertilizers, and single super phosphate (SSP) reached 70.57 lakh tonnes during April and May, reflecting steady demand from farmers.
The expected arrival of 12 fertilizer ships, combined with healthy domestic inventories and ongoing imports, is likely to strengthen India’s fertilizer supply chain and ensure adequate availability of crop nutrients during the peak kharif sowing season.
