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India Boosts Urea Output 23% with Gas Supply Surge Ahead of Kharif Season

The government has significantly increased natural gas supply to urea plants, leading to a 23% rise in domestic production ahead of the Kharif season. This strategic move ensures adequate fertiliser availability for farmers and protects the sector from global supply chain disruptions. Current urea stocks are robust at 61.14 lakh metric tonnes, with DAP stocks more than doubling to provide an additional buffer. Advance planning, including timely global tenders, has positioned India comfortably for the upcoming sowing season.

Key Points: Urea Production Jumps 23% as Govt Boosts Gas Supply

  • 23% jump in urea production
  • Gas supply boosted to 39.31 MMSCMD
  • Fertiliser stocks at comfortable levels
  • Global tenders secured to ensure supply
  • Strategy shields farmers from global disruptions
2 min read

Govt boosts gas supply, urea output jumps 23 pc ahead of Kharif season

Government increases gas supply to urea plants, raising domestic production by 23% and building strong fertiliser stocks for the Kharif season.

"India is currently in a comfortable position in terms of fertiliser availability. - Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, March 19

The Government has significantly stepped up natural gas supply to urea plants, leading to a 23 per cent jump in domestic urea production ahead of the Kharif 2026 season, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers said on Thursday.

The move comes as part of a broader strategy to ensure adequate fertiliser availability for farmers and to shield the sector from global supply disruptions, especially amid ongoing uncertainties in West Asia.

By increasing gas supplies to urea plants and securing imports through global tenders, the government has managed to strengthen both production and stock levels.

A key part of this strategy has been boosting the supply of natural gas, which is crucial for urea production.

The government, through the Empowered Pool Management Committee (EPMC), has secured an additional 7.31 MMSCMD of gas on a spot basis.

With this, the total gas supply to urea plants has increased from 32 MMSCMD to 39.31 MMSCMD, marking a jump of around 23 per cent.

This increase in gas availability is expected to directly raise domestic urea production. According to official estimates, production is set to rise from 54,500 metric tonnes per day to about 67,000 metric tonnes per day, again reflecting a 23 per cent increase.

The move has also improved the fulfilment of gas requirements of urea plants from 62 per cent to 76 per cent, helping factories operate more efficiently.

At the same time, the government has built a comfortable stock position. Current urea stocks stand at 61.14 lakh metric tonnes, higher than 55.22 lakh metric tonnes recorded in March last year.

Stocks of DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) have seen an even sharper rise, more than doubling to 24.24 lakh metric tonnes, providing an additional buffer for farmers during the sowing season.

Government officials said that advance planning has played a major role in this improvement. The Department of Fertilisers floated global tenders well ahead of time, anticipating possible disruptions due to geopolitical tensions.

These tenders have received a strong response, and most of the imported quantities are expected to reach India by the end of March.

During a recent media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the country is currently in a comfortable position in terms of fertiliser availability.

He emphasised that India is following a diversified import strategy and is in touch with multiple countries to ensure steady supplies.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows agricultural economics, this is a smart move. Boosting domestic production reduces import dependency and shields farmers from volatile global prices. The 23% jump in output is impressive if the numbers hold true on the ground.
P
Priyanka N
Good step, but the real test is the price. Will this increased production and stock translate to stable or lower prices for farmers? Often, the benefit doesn't reach the end user. Also, hope the focus remains on balanced use of fertilisers to protect soil health in the long run.
A
Aman W
Securing gas supply is key! Urea plants running at 76% capacity is much better than 62%. More efficient factories mean less waste and better output. This proactive approach ahead of the sowing season is what was needed. Jai Kisan! 🙏
M
Michael C
The diversification of import sources mentioned by the MEA spokesperson is the most critical part. Relying on a single region, especially with West Asia tensions, is risky. Building buffers and having multiple suppliers is sound economic strategy.
K
Kavya N
My father is a farmer in Punjab. News of higher DAP stock is a relief. Last season there were shortages and black marketing. Hope this time, with comfortable stocks, every farmer gets what they need on time and at the right price. Fingers crossed!

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