India has launched a global tender for the import of 2.5 million tonnes of urea, the country's most widely used soil nutrient, to ensure adequate supplies ahead of the main planting season starting in June. The tender, issued by Indian Potash Ltd (IPL) on April 4, mandates that shipments must depart their export locations before June 14. Urea is vital for agriculture, making up 45% of fertilizer consumption in India, and is typically applied shortly after planting. The country's domestic urea production has faced challenges, with output dropping to 1.8 million tonnes in March from a monthly average of 2.4 million tonnes due to disruptions in liquefied natural gas supplies, which are essential for urea production. The import process is managed through a structured electronic bidding system involving government-backed trading firms such as IPL, Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd, and National Fertilizers Ltd, which act on behalf of the government to secure necessary supplies.