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The Shipping Ministry has urged Vizag Port to ‘review’ its embargo on the bulk import of ammonium nitrate , a major ingredient in making explosives, according to sources. The suggestions were put forward earlier this month following a meeting with explosives makers who supply the resource to the mining sector.
Though the country has more than adequate production capacity, explosives makers prefer to import in bulk, particularly from Russia, reportedly due to the price advantage.
The port banned bulk imports of the commodity in April last year to minimise risks of it falling into the hands of terror outfits. The move was supported by the Commerce Ministry. In a subsequent notice, issued on March 5 this year, Customs authorities had suggested import of the chemical only in bagged form.
Risky businessThe development is significant — more so during the time of elections — since ammonium nitrate, if mixed with diesel or fuel oil are deadly bombs that have been used in quite a few recent terrorist attacks in the country .
India was the only major country to have allowed import of this sensitive cargo in bulk till 2013. And, according to available estimates, up to 2 per cent of the loose consignments go missing in transit.
At the peak import figure of nearly 300,000 tonne a year, the pilferage stands at a staggering 6,000 tonne. Experts suggest that is equivalent to approximately 3 crore of hand grenades used by the military.
Asked how the port will prevent diversion of ammonium nitrate if imported in bulk, RPS Kahalon, Chairman, Vizag Port said: “We have so far not given permission for bulk handling.”
Ambiguity rulesGlobally, ammonium nitrate is also used as a fertiliser. However, India restricted its use only to the manufacture of explosives for civilian use , due to security issues.
The Home Ministry had enforced a series of restrictions (AN Rules) on supply and transportation of ammonium nitrate, beginning January 2014.
However, sources claim, the rules had a major loophole as it merely underlined that imports be done “preferably” in bags, thereby keeping the door open for bulk imports.
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