Keeping farmers’ needs in focus, the Government of India has issued the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026. Under this order, the fertilizer sector has been included in the government’s priority list for natural gas supply. To ensure uninterrupted fertilizer production, fertilizer plants have been categorized under ‘Priority Sector-2’.
According to the new arrangement, fertilizer plants will receive at least 70 percent of their average natural gas consumption based on the past six months. This step is aimed at protecting domestic fertilizer production from potential disruptions in the global supply chain, particularly those arising from LNG supply uncertainties linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The move is expected to ensure the timely availability of fertilizers for farmers and allow agricultural activities to continue smoothly.
A high-level meeting on this issue was held at the Department of Fertilizers on Tuesday. Senior officials from leading fertilizer companies across the country attended the meeting and presented detailed updates on their preparations and operational challenges.
Officials from the Department emphasized that every possible effort is being made to ensure the continuous operation of fertilizer plants. Senior representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas were also present and reviewed coordination and arrangements for gas supply.
Department of Fertilizers has assured farmers that the country currently holds sufficient fertilizer reserves despite potential disruptions in maritime transport or cargo shipping. An advanced stocking strategy during periods of lower demand has helped build a strong buffer stock.
Ahead of the upcoming Kharif season, India’s total fertilizer stock has reached 180.12 lakh metric tonnes (LMT). This is about 36.6 percent higher than the 131.79 LMT recorded on March 10, 2025.
The increase has been largely driven by a significant rise in key nutrients such as DAP (25.17 LMT) and NPK (56.30 LMT).
| Fertilizer | Stock on 10.03.2026 | Stock on 10.03.2025 |
| Urea | 61.51 | 50.90 |
| DAP | 25.17 | 11.55 |
| NPK | 56.30 | 32.29 |
| MOP | 12.90 | 14.41 |
| SSP | 24.24 | 22.64 |
| Total | 180.12 | 131.79 |
Urea Availability Also Improves:
Urea, the most widely used fertilizer in India, currently has a stock level of 61.51 LMT. The strong inventory indicates that global supply disruptions are unlikely to significantly affect domestic availability during the upcoming Kharif sowing season. To maintain a continuous supply of subsidized fertilizers, the government has also secured import arrangements in advance. By February 2026, India had already imported 98 LMT of urea, and an additional 17 LMT is scheduled to arrive over the next three months. Through these proactive measures, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that farmers receive fertilizers on time, regardless of global market uncertainties.
FAQs:
1. What is the Natural Gas Supply Regulation Order 2026?
The Natural Gas Supply Regulation Order 2026 is a government policy that prioritizes natural gas supply to fertilizer plants to ensure uninterrupted fertilizer production in India.
2. Why was the Natural Gas Supply Regulation Order 2026 introduced?
It was introduced to protect fertilizer production from global LNG supply disruptions and ensure that farmers receive fertilizers on time.
3. How much natural gas will fertilizer plants receive under the new order?
Fertilizer plants will receive at least 70% of their average natural gas consumption based on the previous six months.
4. What is India’s current fertilizer stock in 2026?
As of March 10, 2026, India’s fertilizer stock stands at 180.12 LMT, significantly higher than the previous year.
5. How will this order benefit farmers?
The Natural Gas Supply Regulation Order 2026 ensures uninterrupted fertilizer production, helping farmers access fertilizers on time for the Kharif season.
