![\"15](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-132197610,imgsize-95962,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/15-fertiliser-cargo-vessels-cross-strait-of-hormuz-safely-amid-middle-east-conflict.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nDespite the recent Middle East disruptions, India’s fertiliser supply has remained largely on track, with most shipments crossing the Strait of Hormuz safely and domestic production exceeding targets, according to the ministry of chemicals and fertilisers.The ministry said that out of 20 vessels carrying fertilisers and raw materials for India, 15 have successfully crossed the Strait without disruption. These include eight vessels carrying 3.32 lakh tonnes of urea, four carrying 2.57 lakh tonnes of DAP and three transporting 1.11 lakh tonnes of sulphur, all of which are scheduled to reach Indian ports on time.Another five vessels are lined up for shipment, including one carrying 0.25 lakh tonnes of ammonia and another transporting 0.45 lakh tonnes of urea. In addition, loading operations are underway for two more urea vessels and one sulphur vessel. The ministry said all these consignments are expected to arrive as planned.Although the conflict affected maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, the Centre said uninterrupted fertiliser availability was maintained through “timely planning, effective coordination and continuous monitoring.” It added that fresh sources of supply were secured through diplomatic outreach.To ensure adequate availability of urea, supplies have been arranged from Oman, Malaysia, Vietnam, Georgia, Nigeria, Russia, Finland, Egypt, Algeria, Turkey and the Netherlands.For DAP and NPK fertilisers, cargoes have been secured through the Red Sea route from Russia, Morocco, Egypt, the US, Jordan, South Korea, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.Union minister for chemicals and fertilisers JP Nadda said the crisis had severely disrupted global supply chains, resulting in higher fertiliser prices and longer transit times, with India also feeling the impact. However, he said that the government had safeguarded farmers’ interests despite the increase in global prices, attributing this to proactive measures taken by the department of fertilisers under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi.The ministry also said natural gas supplies to fertiliser plants, which had fallen to nearly 65% during the disruption, have now been fully restored to 100%. As a result, all urea manufacturing plants across the country are operating at full capacity.Domestic fertiliser production also exceeded official targets during the first quarter of FY27. Urea production reached 71.55 lakh tonne against the target of 67.86 lakh tonne, surpassing it by 3.69 lakh tonne. DAP output stood at 9.84 lakh tonne compared with the target of 8.61 lakh tonne, while NPK production was 20.77 lakh tonne and SSP production was 13.50 lakh tonne.The ministry said India has already secured 197.56 lakh tonne of fertiliser against the annual requirement of 383.9 lakh tonne, covering more than 51 cent of the country’s yearly demand.As of July 2, urea stocks were at 69.08 lakh tonne, DAP at 16.64 lakh tonne, Muriate of Potash at 8.90 lakh tonne, NPK at 45.64 lakh tonne and SSP at 23.09 lakh tonne, taking the total fertiliser availability to 163.35 lakh tonne.According to the ministry, a combination of diversified imports, higher domestic production and adequate stock levels has ensured satisfactory fertiliser availability across the country. It reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests by ensuring the timely supply of fertilisers.<\/div>\n