Global food supplies could be badly hit if Iran war drags on, says fertiliser boss

"Given the importance of fertiliser, this is something that can seriously impact crop yields if the war continues for an extended period. This is a regional conflict with global implications and it goes straight into the food system."

"If the strait of Hormuz was closed for a year it would be catastrophic. We are talking nutrition for plants, and if they don't get the nutrition, then you will see significant reductions in the farm yield."

"For some crops, if they don't get the fertiliser, you can see a reduction of up to 50% in the first harvest, he added, referring to European summer crops including early potatoes."

A major fertilizer company executive warns that prolonged conflict in Iran could severely damage global food supplies. The Gulf region produces approximately one-third of the world's urea and one-quarter of globally traded ammonia, critical fertilizer components. Since the conflict began, urea prices have surged from $487 to $700 per tonne. Closure of the Strait of Hormuz would be catastrophic for agriculture. Without adequate fertilizer, crops can experience yield reductions up to 50% in the first harvest. The fertilizer industry faces dual pressures: disrupted raw material supplies from the Gulf and skyrocketing gas prices needed for nitrogen production.

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