Adequate Fertilizer Stocks Available; Government Ensures Stable Supply, Prices Unchanged for Farmers

The Government of India has assured that adequate stocks of fertilizers are available across the country and farmers will continue to receive supplies at existing prices, despite global supply disruptions and geopolitical challenges impacting key inputs.

The assurance came during a high-level media briefing held at the National Media Centre, where officials from multiple ministries, including Petroleum and Natural Gas, External Affairs, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and the Department of Fertilizers, shared updates on supply chains, energy availability, and support measures.

Adequate Stocks for Kharif Season

Officials highlighted that the total fertilizer requirement for the upcoming Kharif 2026 season is estimated at around 390 lakh tonnes, compared to 361 lakh tonnes consumed during Kharif 2025.

Encouragingly, current stock levels stand at approximately 180 lakh tonnes, significantly higher than 147 lakh tonnes available during the same period last year.

With April and May being lean agricultural months, the government is utilising this period to further build buffer stocks ahead of peak demand.

Steps to Stabilise Domestic Production

Domestic urea production has been impacted due to reduced gas supplies triggered by the prevailing global situation. However, the government has taken corrective measures:

• Gas supply to urea plants has been increased from 60% to 75–80%
• This has boosted urea output by 12,000–15,000 tonnes per day
• Monthly production loss has been reduced from 9–10 LMT to 6–7 LMT

Additionally, Indian refineries have been directed to ensure adequate supply of sulphur, a key raw material for fertilizer production.

Diversified Import Strategy

To mitigate global supply risks, India has significantly diversified its fertilizer sourcing:

• 28 lakh tonnes of urea being sourced from Russia
• Long-term DAP supply agreement with Saudi Arabia (31.10 lakh tonnes annually)
• Additional supplies from Oman and Saudi Arabia
• Imports expanded across countries including Morocco, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Jordan, Canada, Algeria, Egypt, Finland, and Togo

A dedicated task group and 16 Indian missions abroad are actively working to secure alternative supply chains.

Strict Monitoring Against Hoarding

The government has directed states to maintain strict vigilance against:

• Fertilizer diversion
• Black-marketing
• Hoarding

More than 2,500 raids were conducted across states in the past 24 hours, resulting in the seizure of over 2,000 cylinders, reflecting intensified enforcement under the Essential Commodities Act.

States have also been advised to ensure regular public communication to prevent panic among farmers.

Farmers to Get Fertilizers at Existing Prices

Despite rising global prices of LNG, ammonia, and sulphur, the government has confirmed that fertilizers will continue to be supplied to farmers at existing rates, shielding them from international volatility.

Officials reiterated that there is no shortage expected in the next 2.5 months, and farmers need not resort to panic buying.

Energy Supply Remains Stable

The government also provided reassurance on fuel and energy availability:

• Petrol and diesel stocks are adequate nationwide
• All retail outlets are functioning normally
• Refineries are operating at high capacity
• Excise duty on petrol and diesel has been reduced by ₹10 per litre

To ensure domestic availability, export levies have been imposed on diesel and aviation turbine fuel.

Boost to PNG and LPG Distribution

To manage LPG constraints and promote cleaner energy:

• CGD companies are incentivising PNG connections for households and commercial establishments
• Over 3 lakh PNG connections were added in March
• Online LPG bookings have reached 95%
• DAC-enabled deliveries have risen to 82%, reducing diversion

Notably, over 2.6 lakh 5 kg LPG cylinders were sold in the past week, with strong uptake among migrant workers.

Maritime and Evacuation Updates

Port operations across India continue without congestion, ensuring smooth logistics.

On the international front, the Prime Minister held discussions with the Saudi Crown Prince, appreciating support extended to the Indian community and emphasizing the need for secure and open shipping routes.

Meanwhile, evacuation efforts have seen over 5.5 lakh passengers return to India since February 28, reflecting improved flight operations.

Government Monitoring Round-the-Clock

A dedicated contingency war room has been set up to monitor fertilizer production, imports, and distribution in real time. Authorities are coordinating closely with stakeholders including fertilizer companies, ports, railways, and state governments.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted supply of fertilizers and energy, urging citizens and farmers to remain calm and not be influenced by rumours.