NEW DELHI: With 17 ships carrying India-bound fertiliser stranded in the Persian Gulf since conflict erupted in West Asia, the government is exploring an alternative to transport a portion of this dry bulk commodity. The plan involves moving the cargo by road from the ships' current docking locations to Yanbu Port in Saudi Arabia, and then by sea to Indian ports, according to a report by Dipak Dash.
Government discussions on alternative route
The Times of India has learned that fertiliser department officials informed an informal Group of Ministers (iGoM) on Wednesday that they are actively considering this option, even though the route via road and the Red Sea is longer. Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that the overland journey from Persian Gulf ports to Yanbu Port spans approximately 1,200 kilometres.
Challenges and concerns
An official stated: "It is a longer route and would take more days compared to sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, there appears to be no other alternative as the passage of ships through the strait has been severely disrupted. The increased costs due to delays of 60-70 days have become a major worry, and the demand for fertilisers for the Kharif crops is expected to peak by mid-June."
Fertiliser department officials also informed the iGoM that if the conflict persists, it will have a greater impact on the Rabi (winter) crop sowing season. The government is thus urgently seeking solutions to ensure adequate fertiliser supply for the upcoming agricultural cycles.
