NEW DELHI: India may face serious disruptions in supply of fertilisers and raw materials in the next kharif season — starting in June — if the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues due to the conflict in West Asia, industry insiders said. They added that there is no immediate crisis because it is a lean season.Any reduction in supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to urea manufacturers in the coming weeks could impact production of the key soil nutrient ahead of the kharif planting season, a fertiliser company executive said, adding that they are keeping a close watch on developments. Kharif crops account for more than half of India’s food grain production, as major crops such as rice, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, and sugarcane are sown during this season.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: ‘Indian navy’s guest struck without warning’: Iran slams US after torpedo sinks warship IRIS Dena’Will bitterly regret’: Iran warns US after IRIS Dena, ‘Indian Navy’s guest’, sunk by torpedo’Could be targeted’: Second Iranian warship heads towards Sri Lanka a day after US submarine attackOn average, fertiliser companies produce around 2.5 million tonnes (MT) of soil nutrients per month. If LNG supplies are not normalised, production could be severely affected, industry watchers said, highlighting that production and stocking of fertilisers usually begins from March to ensure smooth distribution.At present, 60% of LNG used in urea manufacturing is imported from Qatar, and India has a long-term agreement in place. Currently, 30 out of 32 urea manufacturing units use natural gas as feedstock.Industry watchers also said that apart from supply issues, blockade of key shipping routes in the Gulf would push up prices of DAP and urea, which would directly impact the govt’s food subsidy expenses.Regarding the current level of stocks, people involved in the sector said that by the end of Feb, urea stocks stood at 5.5 MT compared to 4.9 MT a year ago. The current DAP stock with companies is projected at around 2.5 MT, against 1.3 MT a year earlier. In the case of complex fertilisers, NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) stocks are higher than 5.4 MT compared to 3.2 MT a year ago. The increased stock is due to a surge in imports during the current financial year.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Condoles Khameini’s Death, Jaishankar Speaks To Iranian FM; ‘Iran War God’s Plan’: US MilitaryNitish Kumar Files RS Nomination, Vows Support to New State GovernmentCV Ananda Bose Resigns As Bengal Governor, TN Guv RN Ravi To Replace Him; Mamata Attacks Amit Shah’Undeniable’: US Deputy Secretary Landau Hails India’s Rise As Key To The 21st CenturyJaishankar Dials Iran FM Araghchi After India Condoles Khamenei’s Death In US-Israeli StrikesIran Conflict Presents ‘Huge Opportunity’ For India To Become Clean Energy Exporter: Amitabh KantIndian YouTuber Nancy Grewal Killed In Canada Stabbing, Questions Rise Over Motive Behind Attack’Conflict In Backyard’: Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi On Iran Warship, Govt Denies Responsibility’India Deserves UN Security Council Seat’, Says Finland President Alexander Stubb In Strong Support‘Maha Strategy Repeated’: Opposition Hits Out at BJP After Nitish RS Move123PhotostoriesCould you be low on magnesium? Common warning signs to know, according to doctorsJanhvi Kapoor birthday special: From ‘Homebound’, ‘Mili’ to ‘Gunjan Saxena’, best performances to watch on OTTHow to make Kolhapuri Egg Curry for lunch at home5 common mistakes to avoid while making restaurant-style Naan at homeMark Zuckerberg buys $170 million mansion in Miami: A look into a tech billionaire’s ultra-luxury abodeIce Apple: One of India’s summer favourite fruits and 5 must-try refreshing ‘tadgola’ recipes for scorching heatFoods richer in potassium than bananas: Doctor reveals 6 heart-healthy options that can help support blood pressure naturallyBigg Boss Malayalam contestants who split with their partners after the show7 ways to extend your car’s engine life12 traditional Bengali vegetarian dishes that are as good as a non-veg feast123Hot PicksChina Military BudgetIran Mobile Missile LauncersMiddle East CrisisNitish KumarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingAP SSC Hall TicketsNFL RumorsFortnite v39 51 Update Release timeT20 World CupBengaluru Cab Driver TheftNancy GrewalMiddle East CrisisTelangana High CourtUS SubmarineTrump assassination plot
NEW DELHI: India may face serious disruptions in supply of fertilisers and raw materials in the next kharif season — starting in June — if the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues due to the conflict in West Asia, industry insiders said. They added that there is no immediate crisis because it is a lean season.Any reduction in supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to urea manufacturers in the coming weeks could impact production of the key soil nutrient ahead of the kharif planting season, a fertiliser company executive said, adding that they are keeping a close watch on developments. Kharif crops account for more than half of India’s food grain production, as major crops such as rice, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, and sugarcane are sown during this season.On average, fertiliser companies produce around 2.5 million tonnes (MT) of soil nutrients per month. If LNG supplies are not normalised, production could be severely affected, industry watchers said, highlighting that production and stocking of fertilisers usually begins from March to ensure smooth distribution.At present, 60% of LNG used in urea manufacturing is imported from Qatar, and India has a long-term agreement in place. Currently, 30 out of 32 urea manufacturing units use natural gas as feedstock.Industry watchers also said that apart from supply issues, blockade of key shipping routes in the Gulf would push up prices of DAP and urea, which would directly impact the govt’s food subsidy expenses.Regarding the current level of stocks, people involved in the sector said that by the end of Feb, urea stocks stood at 5.5 MT compared to 4.9 MT a year ago. The current DAP stock with companies is projected at around 2.5 MT, against 1.3 MT a year earlier. In the case of complex fertilisers, NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) stocks are higher than 5.4 MT compared to 3.2 MT a year ago. The increased stock is due to a surge in imports during the current financial year.
