Fertiliser stuck in Persian Gulf, govt plans to move it by road to port

NEW DELHI: With 17 ships, carrying India-bound fertiliser, stranded in the Persian Gulf since conflict broke out in West Asia, govt is looking at an alternative for transporting a part of this dry bulk commodity. The plan is to transport it by road from their current locations - after the ships dock - to Yanbu Port in Saudi Arabia, and from there by ships to Indian ports, reports Dipak Dash.TOI has learnt that fertiliser department officials informed an informal Group of Ministers (iGoM) on Wednesday that they are exploring this option, though this route via road and the Red Sea is longer. People aware of the discussion said the road trip to Yanbu Port from ports in the Persian Gulf is around 1,200 km."It's a longer route and would take more days compared to sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. But there seems to be no other option as passage of ships through the strait has been badly hit. The higher cost due to delays of 60-70 days has become a major concern and the demand for fertilisers for Kharif crops will peak by mid-June," said an official.Fertiliser department officials informed the iGoM if the conflict continues, there will be greater impact on the Rabi (winter) crop sowing season.