India, the world’s biggest urea importer, has opened a tender for 2.5 million tonnes of the crop‑fertilizer ahead of the monsoon sowing season. Indian Potash Ltd., the government’s urea buyer, seeks 1.5 million tonnes via the west coast and the remainder east. Shipments must leave the load port by June 14 to meet the looming demand for rice, corn and soybeans during this.

The move follows a shortage of LNG that closed the Strait of Hormuz, forcing South Asian producers to shut plants last month. India’s urea output relies heavily on imported natural gas, and the disruption has tightened domestic supply. Authorities are negotiating directly with nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer exporters to secure alternative feeds for the upcoming planting season across the country.

With the tender deadline on April 15 and validity until April 23, the government aims to lock in supplies before the critical planting window opens. A secure urea pipeline will protect crop yields and stabilize fertilizer prices. Failure to secure the 2.5 million‑tonne order could expose farmers to higher costs and lower output for the upcoming season and maintain market stability through the next.