India Moves to Strengthen Ammonium Nitrate Transport Regulations Following Fatal Blast
The Indian government is taking decisive action to tighten the regulatory framework governing the transport of ammonium nitrate, a critical step prompted by the devastating 2025 Red Fort blast in New Delhi. The proposed amendments aim to close long-standing oversight gaps that security agencies have identified as vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
Extending Accountability to Consignees
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has released draft amendments to the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, which would extend legal responsibility from only consignors to also include consignees, depending on who provides the transport vehicle. This move is designed to eliminate ambiguity over liability during transit, a loophole that has allowed accountability for diverted or misused consignments to be contested.
The draft Ammonium Nitrate (Amendment) Rules, 2026, mandate that ammonium nitrate be transported strictly on the strength of a valid transport licence held either by the consignor or the consignee, as applicable. This clarification is expected to strengthen traceability and prevent disputes over responsibility, addressing concerns raised by enforcement agencies for years.
Background: The 2025 Incidents
The regulatory push follows a series of tragic incidents in November 2025 linked to ammonium nitrate:
- On November 9, 2025, police recovered nearly three tonnes of ammonium nitrate and other bomb-making materials from two rented rooms in Faridabad, Haryana, adjacent to Delhi.
- The following evening, on November 10, a moving car carrying approximately 30-40 kg of ammonium nitrate from the same stockpile exploded near the Red Fort, a bustling tourist area in New Delhi, resulting in 15 fatalities.
- Four days later, on November 14, while forensic officials were examining the seized explosives at a police facility, the ammonium nitrate detonated accidentally, killing nine personnel and injuring around 30 others.
These events underscored the urgent need for enhanced regulatory measures to prevent the diversion of ammonium nitrate, which is widely used in legitimate industries such as mining, construction, and fertilizer applications, but is also susceptible to illegal use.
Security Concerns and Regulatory Gaps
Security agencies have long argued that weak oversight over the transport and end-use of ammonium nitrate significantly increases the risk of diversion into illegal supply chains. While earlier amendments to the regulations focused on licensing rules, storage limits, and record-keeping requirements, enforcement agencies have been pressing for clearer accountability during transit, which they consider the most vulnerable stage for diversion and misuse.
A government official stated, "The draft notification also proposes extending compliance obligations to occupiers, in addition to office-bearers, at licensed premises handling ammonium nitrate." This expansion aims to ensure comprehensive oversight across all stakeholders involved in handling the substance.
Expert Insights and Market Context
Amit Singh, associate professor at the Special Centre for National Security Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, commented on the proposed changes: "The latest proposal signals a renewed focus on preventive regulation, even as India seeks to balance legitimate industrial demand with internal security imperatives. If finalized, the amendments would strengthen end-to-end accountability and reduce blind spots in the movement of ammonium nitrate, making it harder for consignments to be siphoned off or misused."
He added that from a security standpoint, tighter controls during transit and use are critical to preventing diversion and addressing vulnerabilities that have long concerned enforcement agencies.
The Indian ammonium nitrate market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow by about $2.6 billion by 2026, reflecting strong demand from agriculture, mining, and infrastructure sectors. This growth underscores the importance of implementing robust regulations to support both industrial needs and national security.
Next Steps and Public Consultation
The amendments have been opened for public consultation for 30 days, with the government inviting objections or suggestions before finalizing the rules. The process will involve conducting stakeholder consultations and accommodating their suggestions, provided they align with the interests of industry and national security.
This move follows extensive consultations with security agencies and represents a proactive approach to mitigating risks associated with ammonium nitrate transport, aiming to prevent future tragedies and enhance public safety across India.
