Fertiliser Crunch Threatens Global Food Supplies

The war near Iran has messed with fertiliser supplies, and that’s bad news for poorer countries that can’t easily swap suppliers. About a third of the world’s nitrogen fertiliser usually moves through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway where ships are getting delayed or rerouted. Since many farms in Africa and South Asia rely on these fertilisers, delays now could mean smaller harvests later this year. Some countries might get lucky with higher oil prices, but the benefits won’t last long. Places like Nigeria, Brazil, and Libya sell oil, but they still buy most of their fuel and fertiliser from overseas. Even big producers like Algeria and Egypt can’t suddenly fill the gap because their fertiliser plants need time to ramp up production.For farmers, the real problem isn’t just price tags—it’s timing. If fertiliser doesn’t arrive before planting season, crops could suffer. In places where rain dictates the calendar, missing that window means less food on plates. Alternative suppliers in North Africa exist, but they’re not set up to replace lost shipments overnight. The UN is pushing for safe passage for fertiliser ships, but progress is slow. Meanwhile, countries that depend on imported food are stuck hoping for the best while bracing for higher prices.