NEW DELHI, June 16 -- The department of fertilizers plans to ask qualified bidders in National Fertilizers Ltd's 1.7 million-tonnes urea import tender to match the lowest quoted prices, according to three people aware of the development. The move is aimed at securing additional volumes at sharply lower rates and easing pressure on the government's fertilizer subsidy bill.

Floated on 27 May, the tender attracted bids from 27 suppliers for 6.25 million tonnes against a requirement of 1.7 million tonnes, reflecting strong competition as global urea prices have retreated from elevated levels seen during supply disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict.

Aditya Birla Global Trading emerged as the lowest bidder for India's east coast at $44...