FAO Official Warns of Global Fertilizer Shortage Amid Hormuz Strait

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.

Global fertilizer markets deteriorate

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.

Iran crisis shifts from short-term escalation to systemic crisis

Kobyakov characterized the situation surrounding Iran as having evolved from a “short-term escalation” into a prolonged, systemic crisis.

US vice president warns of global energy 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.”

Military exchanges trigger near-total halt in Hormuz transit

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.