New Delhi, 23 June (H.S.): Amid prolonged uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating global tensions, India has received a major boost as four cargo vessels carrying consignments of urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and sulphur successfully crossed the strategic waterway last week and are now en route to Indian ports. Their arrival is expected to further strengthen the country's existing fertiliser reserves.

According to an official statement issued by the Government of India, the four cargo ships carrying urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and sulphur have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and are heading towards various Indian ports. The vessels are scheduled to dock at Krishnapatnam, Kakinada, Paradip, and Mundra ports, where the consignments will be unloaded on priority to ensure the timely supply of fertilisers to farmers.

The government said that as of June 22, the country had a total fertiliser stock of 196.08 lakh tonnes, significantly higher than the 168.67 lakh tonnes available during the corresponding period last year. The current inventory comprises 81.44 lakh tonnes of urea, 20.92 lakh tonnes of DAP, 55.91 lakh tonnes of NPK fertilisers, 12.68 lakh tonnes of muriate of potash (MOP), and 25.13 lakh tonnes of single super phosphate (SSP).

Meanwhile, demand for fertilisers in the agricultural sector has also increased. Between March 1 and June 21 this year, total fertiliser sales reached 153.4 lakh tonnes, compared with 140.2 lakh tonnes during the same period last year, registering an increase of 13.2 lakh tonnes.

To shield Indian farmers from uncertainties in the global market, the government has focused on maximising domestic production capacity while simultaneously facilitating targeted imports. Following the West Asia crisis, domestic fertiliser production witnessed a substantial increase, reaching an impressive 133.12 lakh metric tonnes. Complementing this strong domestic output, total fertiliser imports at Indian ports during the same period stood at 43.69 lakh metric tonnes.

The government ensured the supply of urea from Oman, Malaysia, Vietnam, Georgia, Nigeria, Russia, Finland, Egypt, Algeria, Türkiye, and the Netherlands. Supplies of DAP and NPK fertilisers were secured through the Red Sea maritime route from Russia, Morocco, Egypt, the United States, Jordan, South Korea, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar