The Indian government assured sufficient fertilizer availability for the kharif season, with 12 ships carrying urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) poised to transit the Strait of Hormuz after the West Asia conflict resolution, according to the Fertiliser Ministry. As of June 14, the country held 196.65 lakh tonnes (lt) of fertilizer stocks, up from 155.19 lt on April 1, the ministry reported.
Ships Await Strait of Hormuz Passage
According to Fertiliser Ministry’s joint secretary Bandana Preyashi, 12 ships carrying 3.3 lt of urea and 2.57 lt of DAP may transit through the Strait of Hormuz once it reopens following the US-Iran agreement. Additionally, a further 16 ships—8 with 3.3 lt urea, 4 with 2.6 lt DAP, 3 with 1.1 lt sulphur, and 1 with ammonia—are awaiting passage. Sources indicated that once the Strait opens, these vessels could reach India within 7–10 days.
Since March 1, Indian companies have contracted to import 50 lt of fertilizers, of which 21.95 lt of urea and 4.18 lt of DAP have already arrived, Preyashi said.
Kharif Season Demand and Stock Position
The total fertilizer demand for the kharif season (April–September) is 383.9 lt. Against this, India had 196.65 lt in stock as of June 14. Sales of urea, DAP, MoP, complex, and SSP reached 70.57 lt during April–May. Including the first fortnight of June, total sales stand at 102.78 lt, meaning the remaining requirement by September 30 may be 281.12 lt, Preyashi explained.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total fertilizer stock (June 14) | 196.65 lt |
| Stock on April 1 | 155.19 lt |
| Kharif season demand (Apr–Sep) | 383.9 lt |
| Sales Apr–May | 70.57 lt |
| Sales incl. first fortnight June | 102.78 lt |
| Estimated requirement by Sep 30 | 281.12 lt |
Domestic Production and Import Sourcing
Between March 1 and June 14, India imported 39.36 lt of fertilizers and produced 123.65 lt domestically, bolstering overall availability, the government reported. Urea supply sources include Oman, Malaysia, Vietnam, Georgia, Nigeria, Russia, Finland, Egypt, Algeria, Turkey, and the Netherlands. DAP and complex fertilizers are sourced from Russia, Morocco, Egypt, USA, Jordan, South Korea, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia.
Government Preparedness and Subsidy Payments
Preyashi stated, “We are totally completely prepared for the kharif season. The department does not anticipate any problem in the season, and we are keenly watching the international and national scenario.” The Department of Fertilizers (DoF) is regularly reviewing input availability for domestic production and paying all subsidy bills on a weekly basis, with adequate budget available.
Shift Towards Organic Manure
Farmers have purchased 11.82 lt of organic manure so far, compared with 3.31 lt during the same period last year, according to Preyashi. Current organic manure stock is about 22.60 lt. She noted, “This substantial increase in sale of organic manure indicates a gradual shift in farmers’ preference from chemical fertilisers to organic alternatives.”
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will release a significant volume of fertilizer shipments to India, potentially stabilizing domestic supply and prices ahead of peak kharif sowing. Logistics operators should prepare for inbound bulk carrier arrivals within 7–10 days of the Strait’s reopening, with berth and discharge capacity at Indian ports likely to face increased pressure.
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