UN agency flags risk of famine as fertiliser supplies face disruption due to Strait of Hormuz tensions and global shipping instability.
April 26, 2026: The United Nations Office for Project Services has warned that disruptions to fertiliser supplies caused by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global humanitarian crisis. Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva said rising raw material costs and restricted maritime access are already putting pressure on global food systems, urging urgent diplomatic action to stabilise supply chains.
The UN highlighted that fertiliser shortages have driven input costs to record levels, threatening agricultural production, especially in import-dependent nations. Reduced access to fertilisers could significantly impact crop yields and worsen food insecurity in vulnerable regions. The agency cautioned that the crisis goes beyond logistics, with long-term consequences for global food prices and production if disruptions continue.
Meanwhile, the International Chamber of Shipping criticised both the United States and Iran over seizures of commercial vessels, calling them violations of international law. As tensions persist, Donald Trump said he was in no hurry to reach a deal with Iran, while Iranian officials projected unity under Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The ongoing standoff continues to cast uncertainty over global trade routes and diplomatic efforts.