Fertilizers
Overview
The fertilizer industry has seen dramatic changes in market dynamics, with challenges posed by policy and regulatory changes, political instability, conflicts and new macroeconomic realities. The drive towards energy transition and ambitious zero-carbon goals has also opened up the industry to new entrants and new opportunities.
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Divisions deepen over carbon pricing ahead of IMO talks
Divisions deepen over carbon pricing ahead of IMO talks
Dubai, 27 April (Argus) — Shipping industry groups and governments enter a critical round of talks at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) this week facing deepening divisions over how to cut emissions, with no clear consensus on the design or cost of decarbonisation. The 84th meeting of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), being held in London, follows a previous meeting in October that ended without agreement on a global emissions framework. IMO secretary=general Arsenio Dominguez later described the outcome as a "small setback", while stressing that the sector's decarbonisation efforts remain on track. At the centre of the dispute is the proposed net-zero framework (NZF), which includes a carbon pricing mechanism intended to accelerate the shift to low-emission fuels. Supporters see the framework as a necessary investment signal, while critics warn it would impose costs the sector is not yet equipped to absorb. A coalition spanning shipowners, shipping companies and ship registries — including Liberia, Panama and the Marshall Islands, which together account for a large share of the global fleet — has called for alternative approaches to be considered. The group has warned that support for the NZF "in its current form" has eroded. It is pushing for a more flexible, technology-neutral framework that would allow continued use of transitional fuels such as LNG and biofuels, while avoiding penalty-based mechanisms that could raise costs for operators and consumers. In contrast, a separate coalition of ports, logistics firms and clean fuel developers has urged governments to adopt the NZF, arguing that further delays would undermine investment in alternative fuels and slow the energy transition. The divergence highlights a deeper split within the shipping ecosystem. Shipowners and flag states are prioritising cost, fuel availability and operational feasibility at a time of heightened disruption in energy markets caused by the Iran war, while fuel suppliers and infrastructure developers are seeking regulatory certainty to underpin long-term investments. EU countries are expected to continue backing a carbon levy. The US has opposed such measures, which contributed to the postponement of a decision at last year's IMO meeting. Dominguez has also pointed to the current geopolitical environment — including disruptions to energy markets and shipping routes — as reinforcing the need to balance energy security, affordability and sustainability, a dynamic increasingly shaping the sector's approach to decarbonisation. Industry sources aligned with developing countries within the IMO told Argus that proposals based on carbon pricing or penalty mechanisms risk distorting trade flows and placing a disproportionate burden on emerging economies. They instead favour a more "pragmatic" and technology-neutral approach that reflects differing levels of fuel availability, infrastructure and economic capacity. The sources added that support from major flag states is procedurally significant, noting that backing from countries representing a large share of the global fleet will be critical to reaching any agreement. The result is a negotiation that is as much about cost allocation and regulatory design as it is about climate ambition. With no final decision expected at this week's meeting, discussions are likely to extend through the year, leaving shipowners, fuel producers and investors facing continued uncertainty over the future regulatory framework. Shipping accounts for around 3pc of global emissions and carries roughly 80pc of world trade, underscoring the importance of the IMO process for global energy markets and supply chains. By Bachar Halabi Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Libya's NOC announces sulphur export tender
Libya's NOC announces sulphur export tender
London, 27 April (Argus) — Libyan state-owned refiner NOC has issued its latest sales export tender for two cargoes of 6,000t each of sulphur for loading in May. The tender is expected to close on 29 April and is for May delivery out of Mellitah. The first 6,000t cargo's laycan dates are 7-9 May and the second cargo's laycan dates are 24-26 May. NOC did not offer April-loading sulphur, and its last export tender was for loading in March. NOC's last sulphur export tender closed on 16 February before the Middle East conflict started, and was for two lots of 8,000t of sulphur for loading in Mellitah with the first cargo's laycan dates of 1-3 March and the second on 17-19 March. Many oil refineries across north Africa and the Mediterranean reduced sulphur production rates due to a lack of crude availability after the Middle East conflict broke out at the end of February, and availability of sulphur has dropped as a result. By Fenella Rhodes Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
India plans joint buying of fertilizers, raw materials
India plans joint buying of fertilizers, raw materials
London, 24 April (Argus) — India's fertilizer ministry has recommended that national fertilizer companies begin buying fertilizers and raw materials on a collective rather than individual basis. The ministry calls for a three-month period during which Indian fertilizer producers should join together as a consortium, aggregating their demand to ensure supply and competitive prices of key fertilizers such as DAP, MOP and NPS/NPKs as well as raw materials ammonia, sulphur, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid and phosphate rock. The first step in this regard was taken on Friday, when IPL issued a tender to buy 1.6mn t of DAP and TSP on behalf of the industry — the same approach as has been taken with urea imports for many years. India has struggled to secure sufficient supply of these products following the closure of the strait of Hormuz. The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called on the chemicals and fertilizers ministry to impose a minimum six-month ban on exports of elemental sulphur. By Bede Heren Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
India’s IPL issues tender to buy 1.6mn t of DAP/TSP
India’s IPL issues tender to buy 1.6mn t of DAP/TSP
London, 24 April (Argus) — Indian fertilizer producer and importer IPL has issued a tender to buy 1.2mn t of DAP and 400,000t of granular TSP from producers and trading firms, closing on 4 May. Suppliers are to ship cargoes from loading ports by 15 August. IPL is seeking cargoes to be delivered to ports on both India's east and west coasts. Prices are to be offered separately for east and west coast deliveries. Offers are to be valid to 8 May. IPL said it is issuing the tender on behalf of major phosphate and potash fertilizer firms as part of a consortium approach to importing fertilizers. Argus understands that the Indian government has approved fertilizer importers forming a consortium in response to the global supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East. By Tom Hampson Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
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