India is in talks to increase fertilizer imports from Morocco, Russia, and Belarus as the war in the Middle East escalates and export restrictions by China threaten to tighten global supplies ahead of the summer planting season, Reuters reported.
A major global importer, India relies heavily on imports of urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and potash, as well as liquefied natural gas for nitrogen-based fertilizer production. The Middle East accounts for about half of India’s imports of urea and DAP, with Saudi Arabia and Oman among its key suppliers.
Government and industry officials said India currently has higher fertilizer stocks than a year ago, but is moving to line up back up supplies in case the conflict continues and disrupts global markets for a prolonged period into the planting season.
Fertilizer demand in India typically peaks in June and July during the planting of crops such as rice, corn, cotton, and oil seeds. Shipments of supplies for the season usually arrive between March and May.
Authorities said they are seeking to prevent any shortages, even though there is no immediate supply crisis. China’s tightening export controls and ongoing disruptions in the Middle East have added pressure to global markets.
India is also considering approaching Indonesia as a potential alternative supplier, although officials said available volumes there may be limited.
Concerns are particularly focused on urea, the country’s most widely used fertilizer, as reduced gas supplies have affected production. The government has given priority to allocating natural gas to fertilizer manufacturing plants, ensuring they receive at least 70% of their usual consumption.
Qatar is India’s main supplier of liquefied natural gas, but shipments have been disrupted since Iran threatened to target vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Industry sources said global urea prices have risen sharply, climbing from below $425 per ton before the war to above $600 per ton amid tightening supply.
India has already signed an agreement with Morocco to purchase 2.5 million tons of fertilizer as part of international commitments to ensure stable agricultural supplies for the 2025–2026 season.
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