Decline in Domestic Fertilizer Production Due to Unrest in the Gulf Region

29-Apr-2026 12:25 PM

New Delhi. The production of chemical fertilizers in India has been adversely affected since the outbreak of the conflict between Iran and the United States. Compared to last year, fertilizer production is expected to decline by approximately 1.2 million tonnes during the two-month period of March and April this year. With the commencement of sowing for the Kharif season crops, farmers have begun queuing up at sales outlets to purchase these fertilizers; however, they are facing significant difficulties in procuring them.

According to official statistics, approximately 5.9 million tonnes of fertilizer were produced in the country between March 1 and April 16, 2026. During the corresponding period last year, production had reached 7.609 million tonnes. Even if one assumes a production volume of 0.4 to 0.5 million tonnes during the period of April 27–30, the total output would still only reach 6.3 to 6.4 million tonnes—a shortfall of 1.2 to 1.3 million tonnes compared to the previous year.

In this context, the sharp decline in the production of urea, in particular, is a matter of grave concern. Apprehensive of potential shortages in supply and availability, farmers in several regions have already begun attempting to purchase fertilizers ahead of schedule. Consequently, the pace of sales has accelerated. During the first 17 days of April, 0.853 million tonnes of urea were sold—an increase over the 0.771 million tonnes sold during the same period last year.