India weighs sulphur export curbs amid supply shortages

India is considering a proposal to restrict its sulphur exports as domestic supplies tighten and global prices continue to climb. The move follows warnings from industry lobby groups about potential disruptions to the supply chain, particularly those originating from the Middle East. The tightening of the market is largely attributed to a decrease in imports from the Middle East, a region that produced approximately 83.87 million metric tons of sulphur last year. A senior government official confirmed that the administration is evaluating export limits to safeguard local availability. > Allowing exports could further pressure availability, so discussions are under way on whether exports should be limited. Sulphur is a vital raw material for the production of fertilisers like ammonium sulphate and single super phosphate, which are essential for Indian agriculture. While the country imports roughly 2 million metric tons annually—meeting more than half of its requirements—it also exports around 800,000 tons. More than 90% of these exports are currently sent to China, which is also expected to limit its own sulphuric acid exports starting next month. Logistical challenges have intensified due to geopolitical tensions. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for sulphur shipments, has seen significant disruption following military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran that began in late February. The scarcity of sulphur and its derivative, sulphuric acid, is also impacting the global mining sector. Sulphuric acid is necessary for the leaching process used to extract metals from raw ore. This has created a competitive environment for resources, affecting nickel producers in Indonesia as well as operations for Copper in Chile and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In response to the domestic shortage, New Delhi has already instructed national oil refineries to prioritize the delivery of sulphur to local fertiliser producers. Industry representatives have urged the government to implement a full ban on exports to ensure that domestic demand is met amid the global supply crunch.