India’s major ports handled 472.75 million tonnes of cargo between April and September 2026, marking an 8.01% increase. This growth was primarily driven by strong demand for petroleum products and container shipments, although the recovery remains uneven across different regions and specific cargo categories.
India’s major ports recorded a steady performance in the first half of the 2026-27 financial year, handling 472.75 million tonnes of cargo. Data released by the Indian Ports Association shows an 8.01% year-on-year growth compared to the same period in the previous year. This rise highlights the role of major maritime gateways in supporting domestic supply chains, despite global trade challenges.
The growth was not uniform across all categories. Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) and containerized cargo were the primary drivers of this positive trend. Container traffic, measured in tonnage, expanded by 8.21%, while the volume in terms of Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) climbed by over 12%. Iron ore and coal also contributed to the volume, with increases of 7.25% and 5.78% respectively.
Performance across individual ports showed a sharp contrast. Deendayal Port in Gujarat stood out with an overall growth rate of 26.85%, heavily supported by a 42.97% jump in its POL handling operations. In contrast, other major facilities faced volume pressure. Paradip Port and Chennai Port recorded declines of 1.06% and 4% respectively, largely due to reduced intake in petroleum-related cargo, which offset growth in other segments.
The sector is also facing specific challenges in certain commodity areas. The fertilizer segment reported a sharp 26.89% contraction, falling to 4 million tonnes. This significant drop suggests a shift in agricultural import requirements or changes in domestic logistical strategies, which may impact ports heavily reliant on this cargo type.
Looking ahead, the sustainability of this growth depends on how ports navigate global trade uncertainties. Geopolitical tensions, which can affect shipping routes and fuel costs, remain a key factor for the maritime sector. Investors and market observers may monitor whether currently struggling ports can recover in the second half of the year and if the current dependence on specific high-growth commodities like POL and containers continues to provide stability. The key for port operators will be maintaining operational efficiency as they manage these changing trade patterns.