Agricultural experts warn that if the situation continues, the fertiliser shortage seen during the previous monsoon season could repeat.

The disruption is linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has affected LNG supply from the Gulf region. Reduced gas availability has forced several urea manufacturing plants in India to cut production.

Gas shortage reduces fertiliser production

Industry sources said many fertiliser plants are unable to operate at full capacity due to limited gas supply. Some plants are currently running at only 60% capacity.

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The situation has also affected Ramagundam Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (RFCL) in Telangana. The plant normally produces around 3,350 tonnes of urea per day, but output has dropped to about 3,100 tonnes daily, a fall of roughly 550 tonnes.

Officials said 40%-45% of the urea produced at RFCL is allocated to Telangana, and any fall in production could directly affect farmers in the state.

State seeks higher allocation before peak demand

State agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has written to the Union government seeking advance allocation of urea.

The minister requested that 2 lakh tonnes of urea be allotted every month from April to June to build buffer stocks ahead of the kharif season. Officials estimate that another 3 lakh tonnes will be required during the peak demand period in July and August.

The state also urged the Centre to increase imports and prioritise gas supply to fertiliser plants to ensure uninterrupted production.

Risk to kharif crops if supply tightens

Urea is essential for kharif crops such as paddy, maize and cotton in Telangana. Experts warn that shortages could raise cultivation costs and create difficulties for farmers in accessing fertilisers.

During the previous kharif season, delays in fertiliser imports due to the Russia-Ukraine war led to urea shortages in several regions, causing hardship for farmers.

If the gas supply issue continues, officials fear a similar situation could emerge this year.

Global urea prices rise

Industry sources said urea prices have increased in international markets due to rising gas costs and reduced production.

The global price has climbed from around $470 per tonne earlier to more than $600 per tonne. Officials said India may need to import larger quantities if domestic production remains constrained.