India’s Fertilizer Stocks Surge 36.5% to 177 LMT Ahead of Kharif Season

According to the Department of Fertilizers, India’s total fertilizer reserves have increased by 36.5 percent year-on-year, rising from 129.85 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) on March 6, 2025, to 177.31 LMT this year.

The Department of Fertilizers has reassured farmers across the country that India’s fertilizer inventory remains strong and secure despite geopolitical disruptions in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz, which have triggered speculation about potential supply challenges.

Officials said the country has built a robust fertilizer buffer ahead of the upcoming Kharif sowing season, supported by advance stocking strategies and relatively lower consumption during the lean period.

Fertilizer Reserves Rise to 177 LMT

According to the Department of Fertilizers, India’s total fertilizer reserves have increased by 36.5 percent year-on-year, rising from 129.85 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) on March 6, 2025, to 177.31 LMT this year.

The growth in inventory has been driven by substantial increases in key fertilizer categories:

• Urea: 59.30 LMT

• DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate): 25.13 LMT

• NPK fertilizers: 55.87 LMT

Officials said the significant increase in fertilizer stocks provides a critical operational buffer, ensuring that any disruptions in global logistics or supply chains will not translate into shortages at the farm level during the peak sowing season.

Government Secures Large-Scale Fertilizer Imports

To further ensure uninterrupted availability of fertilizers, the government has already secured substantial imports.

So far, 98 lakh metric tonnes of finished fertilizers have been imported up to February 2026, and additional shipments of more than 17 lakh metric tonnes are scheduled to arrive over the next three months.

The Department said these imports demonstrate the government’s proactive strategy to safeguard agricultural inputs amid global uncertainties.

In addition, Indian fertilizer companies have signed long-term supply agreements with major international producers of phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers, helping shield the country from regional price volatility and supply disruptions.

Government Prioritises Gas Supply for Fertilizer Sector

Amid concerns over global energy market disruptions, the Department of Fertilizers held a high-level review meeting to assess supply conditions.

During the meeting, the government assured fertilizer manufacturers that natural gas supply to fertilizer plants will remain a top national priority, given the sector’s critical role in ensuring food security.

Officials reiterated that farmers’ interests remain paramount, and the government will ensure that fertilizer availability remains stable throughout the agricultural season.

Farmers have been encouraged to continue preparations for the Kharif cropping season without any concern about fertilizer shortages.

Strategic Maintenance and Supply Planning

The Department also highlighted the sector’s tactical response to evolving global conditions. The current lean demand period is traditionally when fertilizer companies schedule plant shutdowns for repair and maintenance.

This year, companies have advanced their maintenance schedules to March, allowing them to utilise the relatively quiet period effectively while ensuring plants operate at optimal capacity ahead of peak demand.

Simultaneously, the government is exploring additional international supply sources for finished fertilizers to further strengthen reserves.

Continuous Monitoring of Global Developments

The Department of Fertilizers, in close coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is closely monitoring global energy and supply chain developments.

Officials said the government is working to ensure timely discharge of imported fertilizer shipments and maintain stable supply across the country, while remaining ready to take quick policy or logistical measures if global market conditions evolve.

With strong inventory levels, secured imports, and coordinated planning, the government said India’s fertilizer supply system remains resilient and fully prepared to support farmers during the upcoming Kharif season.