India’s major and non-major ports recorded a nearly 2 per cent year-on-year decline in international maritime cargo volumes in April, as ongoing tensions in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz impacted trade flows.
The slowdown was mainly driven by reduced movement of crude oil, fertilisers, coal and petroleum products, according to data from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
West Asia Conflict Impacts Maritime Trade
The continuing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran has disrupted shipping routes through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key channel for India’s energy imports.
India remains heavily dependent on the region for crude oil and gas supplies, leading to pressure on maritime logistics and cargo movement across ports.
State-owned major ports handled around 73 million tonnes of cargo in April, while private and state-run non-major ports processed approximately 59.5 million tonnes.
Major Ports Report Cargo Contraction
Several ports across India’s western and eastern coasts reported declines in overseas cargo traffic during April.
Deendayal Port Authority, one of the country’s largest ports, saw an 11 per cent decline in EXIM cargo volumes.
Ports including Cochin, New Mangalore, Paradip and Kolkata also experienced lower cargo movement compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Maritime Board, which oversees major private ports like Mundra and Pipavav, reported cargo handling of 32 million tonnes, reflecting a 2 per cent drop year-on-year.
JNPA And Mumbai Port Buck The Trend
Despite the broader slowdown, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Mumbai Port recorded strong cargo growth, collectively handling more than 15 million tonnes.
JNPA has faced congestion challenges in recent months as it handles a large portion of India’s West Asia-bound exports and imports.
To address operational bottlenecks, Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Sarbananda Sonowal recently held discussions on easing congestion caused by shortages of trailer drivers at container freight stations.
Authorities have since waived several logistics-related charges to support exporters and importers.
Coastal Cargo Growth Keeps Overall Volumes Stable
While international cargo declined, strong growth in coastal shipping helped keep overall cargo activity in positive territory.
Major ports recorded a 17 per cent increase in coastal cargo movement in April, while non-major ports posted a 6 per cent rise.
Industry observers believe domestic coastal shipping has emerged as a stabilising factor amid global trade