There appears to be no quick end to the conflict in the Middle East and the blockage of key shipping routes, with the World Food Program warning of “record levels of hunger”.
It said an additional 45 million people could become vulnerable to severe hunger if the conflict escalates, bringing the global total to 363 million.
“As violence escalates, displacement, rising prices and disrupted food systems are pushing families closer to hunger in the region and far beyond,” WFP said on its website Thursday.
Fertilizer is important for agriculture. The United Nations says a quarter of the world’s supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
South Asia is one of those regions the most risks, with the United Nations raising concerns about future crop yields. And in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, WFP is warning farmers as they enter the planting season they risk being unable to treat their crops, which would reduce yields and send food prices higher in the coming months. “Even small increases in costs can put vulnerable families at risk.”
Robert Walker, research fellow at the Lowy Institute, said that across South and Southeast Asia, more than half of the agricultural fertilizers used are nitrogen-based, leading to a shortage in these regions of urea – a form of crystallized nitrogen used in most fertilizers.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, about 35% of the world’s urea supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Although not officially confirmed by Beijing, Reuters, citing sources, reported that China is restricting fertilizer exports to protect its domestic market. This would put additional pressure on global markets that were already suffering from shortages caused by the war.
The escalating attacks near the strait have halted ship transit, sending oil prices hitting $115 a barrel on Thursday and driving up transportation, energy and insurance costs across global supply chains.
Ben Bennett, president of the Australian Dairy Farmers Advocacy Group, said concerns were also raised for dairy farmers in Australia, which imports about 90% of its transportation fuel.
“Dairy cows cannot simply be culled or milk stored on the farm indefinitely. If milk tankers stop running because fuel is unavailable or inaccessible, farmers face serious animal health and environmental consequences.”
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