Fertilizer plants put in 'Priority Sector-2' for natural gas, assured 70% of average use
The Department of Fertilizers said on 10 March 2026 that the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 places fertilizer plants in 'Priority Sector-2', assuring them at least 70% of their average gas consumption of the last six months.
Summary
The Government has issued the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, adding the fertilizer sector to the priority list for gas supply, the Department of Fertilizers said on 10 March 2026. Fertilizer plants are placed in 'Priority Sector-2' and will get at least 70% of their average natural gas consumption over the last six months, to protect domestic production from LNG supply disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East. A high-level meeting of fertilizer companies and Petroleum Ministry officials was held at the Department of Fertilizers the same day to keep plants running ahead of the Kharif season, and the Department said urea stocks were significantly higher than a year earlier.
Key facts
- Announced
- 10 March 2026, Department of Fertilizers
- Order
- Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026
- Fertilizer status
- 'Priority Sector-2' for natural gas
- Assured supply
- At least 70% of average use over last 6 months
- Reason
- LNG disruptions from the Middle East conflict
- Urea
- Stocks significantly higher than last year
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, fertilizer plants are assured at least what share of their average gas consumption of the last six months?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 70%
Fertilizer plants, placed in 'Priority Sector-2', will get at least 70% of their average consumption over the last six months.
In which category have fertilizer plants been placed for natural gas supply, as announced on 10 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Priority Sector-2
The Department of Fertilizers said fertilizer plants have been categorised under 'Priority Sector-2' for natural gas supply.