West Asia conflict pressing warning button on India’s diesel fleet: A ‘crisis’ keeping auto industry on its toes - Here’s why the govt should be worried | EXPLAINED

West Asia conflict: As surging global crude prices triggered by the West Asia conflict pose a serious threat to India’s energy lifeline, the government has stepped up a host of measures to cushion the economy from the oil shock.

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged the citizens to cut fuel consumption, exercise restraint and work from home amid rising energy concerns.

While the crisis has triggered renewed challenges for several sectors across India, one industry which needs immediate attention is the auto mobile. The effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz is straining the space, especially endangering cargo movement due to a looming shortage of technical grade urea.

What does the crisis spotlight?

A DAM Capital report noted that the maritime disruption compromises the supply of essential chemicals and raw materials, potentially bringing the country's logistics network to a standstill.

Specific grade of urea, a critical component in DEF production

According to the report, India currently imports 50-60 per cent of its technical grade urea (TGU) requirements from major trade hubs in Egypt and Dubai. This specific grade of urea is a critical component in the production of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

In modern vehicles, DEF is injected into the exhaust stream of diesel engines equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to convert harmful nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water.

The report noted that all BSVI-compliant heavy-duty trucks and buses, along with large diesel passenger vehicles with engines typically over 2.0L, feature a mandatory engine interlock mechanism. Under this safety regulation, a "vehicle cannot operate if DEF levels are exhausted."

SIAM concerned about the depleting reserves

The industry is now facing a countdown to potential immobilisation. As per the report, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has formally engaged with the authorities regarding the depleting reserves.

The report highlighted that SIAM has raised concerns with the government that "there is no clear visibility of urea supplies beyond early Apr'26."

While DEF is stored in a separate tank and requires refilling less frequently, usually every three to four diesel fill-ups, the total lack of replenishment options creates a terminal risk for transport operators.

The report warned that a continued disruption in DEF availability could lead to the "immobilisation of a significant portion of the commercial diesel fleet." Such a mass grounding would have cascading effects on the national economy, "disrupting logistics operations, the movement of essential goods, and overall supply chains."

Beyond the immediate urea crisis, the report identifies secondary vulnerabilities in the tyre manufacturing sector. Rising crude oil prices are placing immense pressure on domestic manufacturers, as "crude oil derivatives like synthetic rubber, carbon black and various chemicals together constitute 40-45% of the RM mix."

Adding to these is the rising cost of natural rubber, which accounts for approximately 30 per cent of the raw material cost, driven by inflationary pressures and logistics hurdles.

The report cautioned that "if these conditions persist longer, it could significantly impact the margins of tyre companies."

Furthermore, auto component manufacturers involved in forging and casting are identified as "highly vulnerable to gas supply disruptions due to their dependence on gas-fired furnaces for heating processes."

Such energy disruptions threaten the production of critical engine, transmission, and suspension parts. While the report suggests the near-term impact is manageable, it emphasizes that "prolonged disruptions could have a significant effect on the automotive supply chain."