Dire Fertiliser Shortage a Lurking Threat Due to Hormuz Crisis
Summary
UN warns that nearly half the world’s traded urea and large volumes of other fertilizers transit the Strait of Hormuz, making global agriculture highly exposed to the ongoing closure. Urea prices surged ~40%, from ~700 per metric tonne.
Key Data Points
- Nearly 50% of world’s traded urea exported through Strait of Hormuz
- Urea export prices surged ~40% (from ~700/mt)
- Current prices ~60% higher than same time last year
- Higher fertilizer prices expected to raise food costs globally
- Hardest impact on families in poorer countries
- Global fertilizer prices could average 15-20% higher in H1 2026
Bias Assessment
UN News is an authoritative source for global humanitarian and development reporting. High credibility for data on food security and commodity impacts.