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The war in Iran has increased fertilizer prices. It has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's near shutdown of the Strait is because of attacks by the U.S. and Israel. The Persian Gulf region is a key supplier of fertilizer ingredients. Gulf nations are among the world's top exporters. The recent fighting has resulted in around 35 per cent of the world's fertilizer trade being disrupted. Farmers are having to pay up to 35 per cent more for fertilizer. Experts predict farmers will be planting less corn, rice, and wheat. This will lead to smaller harvests and higher food prices.
The United Nations said the crisis will cause a global food shortage. The World Food Programme outlined two scenarios, saying: "In the worst case, this means lower yields and crop failures next season. In the best case, higher input costs will be included in food prices next year." An economist at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization said: "It is a systemic shock affecting agrifood systems globally." It added: "Farmers are facing a dual cost shock. They have more expensive fertilizers alongside rising fuel costs, affecting the entire agricultural value chain."
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