Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Middle East Conflict Drives Fertilizer Prices Soaring 75%

3/26/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Middle East conflict is driving fertilizer costs higher, with Egypt’s granular urea rising from $400 to $700 per ton since late February.
Analysts say about 30% of global urea supply is at risk from Strait of Hormuz disruptions affecting Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The disruptions could reduce yields in emerging markets such as India and East Africa as demand rises during planting season.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 global food crisis saw food prices soar by 83%, driven by fertilizer shortages and rising oil prices, with urea prices hitting $1,000 per ton. Countries like Egypt and India faced severe impacts, leading to social unrest. Today, rising fertilizer costs echo this crisis, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten 30% of global supply, risking agricultural yields and food security in emerging markets.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Middle East conflict is driving fertilizer costs higher, with Egypt’s granular urea rising from $400 to $700 per ton since late February.
Analysts say about 30% of global urea supply is at risk from Strait of Hormuz disruptions affecting Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The disruptions could reduce yields in emerging markets such as India and East Africa as demand rises during planting season.

1 / 2