Following the breakup of a JV between Uralkali and Belaruskarli, China managed to secure potash at $305 per tonne. India too followed the suit and clinched a deal at $322 per tonne from Uralkali for 8 lakh tonnes of potash

AK Ramdas

For the first nine months of fiscal year, 2013-14, covering April to January, India imported about 2.5 million tonnes of potash at $427 per tonne and the balance requirement of 600,000 tonnes was acquired by Coromandel Fertilisers $369 per tonne. A few months ago, it may be recalled that Belarus Potash Company (BPC), a joint venture marketing arm of Russian OAO Uralkali and Belarussian Belaruskarli cartel broke up, reason and details of which are still unknown to public. Uralkali is the world\'s largest potash producer. In January this year, they concluded a contract to supply 700,000 tonnes of potash to China $305 a tonne for supply during the first six months of 2014 (January to June), after having bought the previous lot at $400 a tonne!

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