India: Port cargo throughput rises 2% m-o-m in Jun’26, led by crude oil, bulk commodity handling

• Deendayal, Vizag offset lower cargo volumes at Paradip, JNPT
• Healthy domestic industrial demand underpins port throughput

Cargo shipments across key Indian ports increased 2% m-o-m to 53.41 million tonnes (mnt) in June 2026, from 52.46 mnt in May, supported by higher handling of crude oil, fertilisers, containers, and other bulk commodities.

While growth slowed compared to the previous month, overall port activity remained resilient, supported by healthy domestic industrial demand, steady energy imports, improved operational efficiency at major ports, and ongoing investments in port infrastructure and cargo evacuation.

Port-wise cargo movement

• Deendayal Port recorded the strongest monthly growth among major ports, with cargo volumes rising 17% m-o-m to 16.73 mnt from 14.28 mnt in May. The increase was driven by higher crude oil, petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) products, fertiliser, and container handling, supported by strong inland demand and operational efficiencies.
• Paradip Port handled 12.95 mnt in June, down 8% m-o-m from 14.11 mnt in May, primarily due to lower coal and iron ore dispatches following robust cargo movement in the previous month and seasonal moderation in bulk shipments.
• Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Port handled 8.77 mnt, up 7% m-o-m from 8.22 mnt in May, supported by higher bulk cargo volumes, particularly crude oil, coal, and iron ore, along with improved operational efficiency and cargo handling.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) handled 8.67 mnt, down 9% m-o-m from 9.55 mnt in May, reflecting softer bulk cargo movement and a normalisation in shipment activity following stronger throughput in May.

Outlook

Cargo movement across Indian ports is expected to remain stable to firm in the coming months, supported by sustained energy imports, infrastructure-led demand, and steady industrial activity. Bulk commodities, including coal, crude oil, iron ore, and fertilisers, are likely to continue driving throughput, while container volumes are expected to benefit from the upcoming export peak season.

However, the southwest monsoon conditions may temporarily disrupt cargo evacuation and vessel operations at select ports. However, ongoing investments in port mechanisation, multimodal connectivity, and logistics infrastructure are expected to improve operational efficiency and support steady cargo growth over the medium term.