Story perspectives

Fertilizer Prices Double, Endangering 45 Million’s Food Security

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Fertilizer prices have more than doubled since Strait of Hormuz closed on Feb. 28, raising food-security concerns for 45 million people.
The U.S.–Iran war halted shipping through strait, cutting one-third of urea exports and prompting U.S./Indian farmers to place bids at twice pre-war prices while grain prices keep farmers unable to absorb costs.
Analysts warn planting cuts, prompting a UN task force to seek feedstocks and expect food prices to rise 1-3 %.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973 OAPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, cut output and imposed an oil embargo that drove the barrel price from about $3 to $12—a 400 % jump—and sparked worldwide fertilizer shortages. The shock prompted creation of the International Energy Agency and stockpiling rules. The February 28 closure of the Strait of Hormuz echoes that embargo, tightening urea supplies and raising food-price risks flagged by the UN FAO.

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Story summary

Fertilizer prices have more than doubled since Strait of Hormuz closed on Feb. 28, raising food-security concerns for 45 million people.
The U.S.–Iran war halted shipping through strait, cutting one-third of urea exports and prompting U.S./Indian farmers to place bids at twice pre-war prices while grain prices keep farmers unable to absorb costs.
Analysts warn planting cuts, prompting a UN task force to seek feedstocks and expect food prices to rise 1-3 %.

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