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Tuesday, 3 November 2026dailybeirut.com
World
FAO’s Russia liaison Oleg Kobyakov told Novosti that Hormuz Strait navigation disruptions have triggered a global fertilizer shortage, energy cost hikes, and systemic instability tied to Iran-related tensions.
Disruptions to maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz are extending beyond energy markets into global fertilizer supply chains, with warnings now emerging of a worldwide fertilizer shortfall and rising energy resource costs amid ongoing tensions involving Iran.
Oleg Kobyakov, head of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) office for relations with Russia, stated in an interview with the Novosti news agency that navigation disturbances in the Strait of Hormuz have resulted in a global fertilizer shortage, worsening conditions across fertilizer markets, and increased prices for energy resources.
Kobyakov characterized the situation surrounding Iran as having evolved from a “short-term escalation” into a prolonged, systemic crisis.
American Vice President JD Vance cautioned that US disengagement from the Middle East—occurring while Iran targets commercial shipping—could precipitate a “global energy crisis.”
The United States and Israel launched strikes against targets in Iran on 28 February. Tehran responded with reciprocal strikes. This escalation led to a near-total suspension of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical conduit for global oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Navigational disruptions have driven up fuel prices across most countries worldwide, concurrently affecting both fertilizer and energy markets.
