Story perspectives

Middle East Conflict Threatens Global Food Supply and Prices

3/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East threatens global food prices and could increase hunger in vulnerable countries.
The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts fertilizer shipments from the Persian Gulf, which connects the Gulf to the Indian Ocean.
If the disruption persists, fertilizer costs will rise, potentially causing farmers to reduce usage and further decrease the world’s food supply.
Chris Lawson of CRU Group emphasizes the world’s heavy reliance on fertilizers from the Persian Gulf region.

1 of 1

Story summary

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East threatens global food prices and could increase hunger in vulnerable countries.
The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts fertilizer shipments from the Persian Gulf, which connects the Gulf to the Indian Ocean.
If the disruption persists, fertilizer costs will rise, potentially causing farmers to reduce usage and further decrease the world’s food supply.
Chris Lawson of CRU Group emphasizes the world’s heavy reliance on fertilizers from the Persian Gulf region.