India’s fertilizer supply chain has received a major boost, with 15 vessels carrying fertilizers and critical raw materials safely crossing the Strait of Hormuz and heading towards Indian ports.

 

The vessels, carrying key inputs including Urea, DAP and Sulphur, are arriving as scheduled and are expected to significantly strengthen the country’s fertilizer reserves. 

 

The development comes amid disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz during the recent West Asia conflict, with the Government of India maintaining uninterrupted fertilizer availability through advance planning, coordination and continuous monitoring.

 

Among the 15 vessels, eight are carrying 3.32 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of Urea, four are transporting 2.57 LMT of DAP, and three are carrying 1.11 LMT of Sulphur.

 

Five additional vessels are also scheduled to reach India. These include one vessel carrying 0.25 LMT of Ammonia and another carrying 0.45 LMT of Urea. Loading operations are underway for two more Urea shipments and one Sulphur shipment, further strengthening the country’s fertilizer position.

 

Despite the ongoing geopolitical challenges, India has secured fertilizer supplies from multiple new sources through diplomatic and strategic initiatives. Twenty-eight Indian Missions abroad played a key role by connecting the Department of Fertilizers with global producers and suppliers.

 

Urea supplies have been arranged from Oman, Malaysia, Vietnam, Georgia, Nigeria, Russia, Finland, Egypt, Algeria, Türkiye and the Netherlands.

 

For DAP and NPK fertilizers, supplies have been secured through the Red Sea route from Russia, Morocco, Egypt, the United States, Jordan, South Korea, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

 

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers J.P. Nadda said: "The conflict that began in West Asia severely disrupted global supply chains. Fertilizer prices soared and shipment transit times increased considerably. 

 

"India was also affected by this global crisis, resulting in challenges in ensuring uninterrupted supplies of fertilizer raw materials and finished fertilizers. However, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India remained vigilant and fully prepared from the very beginning."

 

"Efforts to import fertilizers through alternative routes were intensified. Indian Missions abroad actively assisted the Department of Fertilizers in establishing contact with potential global producers and suppliers. As a result, both our fertilizer imports and domestic production are in a very strong position today. 

 

"The Department of Fertilizers is continuously coordinating with State Governments to ensure regional availability and transparent distribution. The Government is ensuring that volatility in international markets does not affect our farmers. Fertilizers are being made available to them in a timely, equitable and affordable manner. 

 

"Despite extremely challenging global circumstances, our government has ensured that the interests of our farmers remain fully protected. Even amid an unprecedented surge in global fertilizer prices, the Government of India has kept farmers' welfare as its highest priority. These are the results of proactive steps taken by the department of fertilizers under the able guidance of PM.”

 

India’s domestic fertilizer manufacturing capacity has also received a significant boost after natural gas supplies to fertilizer plants were restored to 100%.

 

With all Urea plants now operating at full capacity, domestic production has reached record levels. Urea production exceeded targets for the first quarter of FY 2026-27, with output reaching 71.55 LMT against the target of 67.86 LMT.

 

The combined impact of increased imports and record domestic output has ensured robust fertilizer availability across the country.

 

Against the annual fertilizer requirement of 383.9 LMT assessed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, stocks of 197.56 LMT have been secured — equivalent to more than 51% of the country’s annual requirement.

 

The government said the coordinated efforts on imports, domestic manufacturing and strategic stock management have ensured adequate fertilizer availability for upcoming agricultural seasons.

 

With global supply chains facing uncertainty due to the West Asia conflict, India has focused on securing alternative sources, increasing production and maintaining sufficient reserves to protect farmers from international market volatility.

 

The Government of India reiterated its commitment to ensuring timely, adequate and affordable fertilizer availability and taking all necessary measures to safeguard farmers’ interests.