Fertilizer Stocks Robust Ahead of Kharif Season

India Holds Comfortable Fertilizer Stocks for 2026 Kharif Season Despite Iran Conflict Disruptions​

Strong Inventory Levels for Key Fertilizers​

India currently has sufficient fertilizer stocks to support the 2026 Kharif planting season, with key nutrients such as urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and NPK available at comfortable levels despite supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran, according to government sources.

Urea stocks are estimated at around 62 lakh tonnes, which is nearly 10 lakh tonnes higher than the level recorded during the same period last year.

DAP inventories stand at about 25 lakh tonnes, almost double the year-ago level. Meanwhile, NPK stocks have reached a record 56 lakh tonnes, significantly higher than the 31 lakh tonnes reported during the same period last year.

Domestic Production to Support Availability​

Domestic production is also expected to help maintain fertilizer supply in the coming months.

Under normal conditions, India produces roughly 25 lakh tonnes of urea per month. However, production in March is likely to be lower at around 17 lakh tonnes as some plants have advanced maintenance schedules to optimize gas usage.

Government Accelerates Fertilizer Imports​

To strengthen supply, the government has moved ahead with fertilizer imports.

A global tender for urea was advanced earlier in the year, and orders for about 13.5 lakh tonnes were placed in mid February. Nearly 90 percent of the imported urea is expected to reach India by the end of March.

The government has also approved spot gas procurement through the Empowered Pool Management Committee (EPMC). GAIL is expected to begin the first phase of gas purchases shortly.

Alternative Shipping Routes Maintain Supply​

Fertilizer shipments from Russia are continuing without interruption. However, supplies from Russia and Morocco are currently being routed through the Cape of Good Hope because of disruptions in traditional shipping routes.

India’s five year supply agreement with Saudi Arabia for DAP also remains operational, ensuring steady imports of the key fertilizer.

Monitoring Ahead of Peak Kharif Demand​

Officials said fertilizer stocks are expected to remain comfortable ahead of the peak Kharif demand period, which typically begins around mid May.

At the same time, the overall outlook will depend on the progress and timing of the monsoon.

Authorities are also monitoring fertilizer sales across 652 districts through a digital tracking system to identify abnormal sales patterns and prevent hoarding or diversion.