India has asked China to allow the export of urea cargoes as a gas supply disruption linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East threatens fertilizer production in the country.
Indian officials have requested Beijing to consider easing its export restrictions on urea after reduced supplies of liquefied natural gas forced several fertilizer plants in India to cut production. Natural gas is a key raw material used in the manufacturing of urea fertilizer.
China, the world’s largest producer of urea, regulates overseas shipments through a quota system. While some exports were allowed last year, quotas for 2026 have not yet been allocated.
The request comes as global energy supply disruptions affect industries dependent on gas. Lower fuel availability has reduced supplies for fertilizer manufacturers in India, forcing some companies to scale back output.
India is the world’s largest importer of urea and relies heavily on international markets to meet domestic demand. Although the country currently has adequate supplies, officials are seeking additional sources to avoid shortages ahead of the main agricultural planting season beginning with the monsoon.
Apart from China, India may also look to other suppliers such as Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Egypt if disruptions continue.
India has already imported nearly 10 million tonnes of urea during the current fiscal year and is expected to announce a new import tender soon to secure additional supplies for farmers.