New Delhi: Amid concerns over supply disruptions arising from tensions in West Asia, the government on Thursday asserted that India’s fertiliser security remains strong, with adequate stocks available to meet demand during the ongoing kharif sowing season.
It also signalled that the fertiliser subsidy burden for the current fiscal year may be reviewed following a sharp decline in global urea prices.
Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Aparna S. Sharma, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, said the country’s fertiliser stock position remains comfortable and capable of supporting agricultural requirements.
“The stock position of fertilisers in the country is comfortable. India’s fertilizer security remains as strong as ever,” Sharma said.
She noted that the government’s preliminary fertiliser subsidy estimate for 2026-27 was prepared based on prevailing market trends.
However, recent developments in the global market, particularly the lower rates discovered in a fresh urea import tender, could prompt a reassessment of subsidy requirements.
According to Sharma, the government will take a fresh look at subsidy projections after confirming the quantities offered by suppliers and assessing the overall import requirement.
The reassessment comes after state-owned National Fertilizers Limited received bids for more than 6 million tonnes of urea against its tender for importing 1.7 million tonnes.
The sharp fall in global urea prices is expected to help contain the rise in fertiliser subsidy expenditure while ensuring adequate nutrient availability for the upcoming rabi season.
“The reduction of the prices is because of entry of new countries into the market, and they have entered in a big way. So with this, the prices have come down sharply,” she said, adding that India’s strong inventory position may have signalled lower import dependence to exporting nations.
Sharma credited long-term supply agreements, overseas joint ventures and coordinated efforts through Indian missions abroad for ensuring uninterrupted fertiliser availability.
She said India has secured urea supplies from countries including Oman, Malaysia, Vietnam, Georgia, Nigeria, Russia, Finland, Egypt, Algeria, Turkey and the Netherlands.
DAP and NPK fertilisers have been sourced from countries such as Russia, Morocco, Egypt, the United States, Jordan, South Korea, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
(IANS)
