India Sulphur Market Update – September 2025
The India sulphur market held steady this week at $320–340/t CFR, with active demand from Paradeep Phosphates Ltd and Coromandel. Domestic supply remains tight due to refinery maintenance, keeping import dependence high.
East Coast Sulphur Demand – PPL and Coromandel Activity
On India’s east coast, Paradeep Phosphates Ltd (PPL) has issued a tender to secure 35,000 tonnes of sulphur for October delivery. Coromandel International is also preparing for October cargoes, adding to import requirements. These inquiries highlight the steady demand for granular sulphur in the region. Moreover, Indian buyers remain active despite global price pressure, as domestic output is insufficient to meet fertilizer production needs.
West Coast Price Trends – Buyers Push Back on Higher Offers
On the west coast, suppliers are quoting $340–345/t CFR, but buyers are countering with bids closer to $330–335/t CFR. This price gap shows the cautious stance of Indian importers, who are balancing higher international offers against fertilizer industry margins. Negotiations remain active, and cargo arrivals in October will depend on how suppliers respond to buyer resistance.
Domestic Supply Tightness from Refinery Maintenance
Local availability is under strain due to refinery shutdowns. BPCL Kochi and CPCL Manali are both under maintenance, reducing sulphur production in India. As a result, import dependence has increased across both coasts. Furthermore, this situation has kept Indian buyers exposed to global market fluctuations at a time when demand for fertilizers remains strong.
Global Sulphur Prices Provide Context for India
Global benchmarks add context to India’s steady pricing. In China, granular sulphur climbed to $320–330/t CFR, slightly above Indian levels. The Middle East stayed stable at $310–315/t FOB, though Qatar’s upcoming tender is expected to guide October flows. In Indonesia, stronger demand pushed spot levels up to $334–336/t CFR, signaling tightness in Asia. These regional movements suggest that Indian importers may face upward price pressure in the weeks ahead.
Outlook for Indian Sulphur Imports
Looking forward, India sulphur market demand is expected to stay firm as fertilizer producers prepare for the Rabi cropping season. Imports will remain the main source of supply until refinery production normalizes. In addition, competition from China and Indonesia may limit India’s ability to negotiate lower prices. Therefore, Indian buyers should brace for steady to firmer landed costs in October.
For related updates, check our Indian Fertilizer News, Fertilizer Tender Updates, and Agriculture Price Data.
Good report ….