FAO Warns of Fertilizer Shortages Due to Middle East Crisis Impacting Global Food Supply
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has issued a warning regarding the potential global impact of fertilizer shortages caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. According to FAO Director General Qu Dongyu, these shortages are expected to lead to reduced crop yields and a subsequent squeeze on food supplies, particularly affecting the latter half of 2026 and extending into 2027. The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor, is constraining fertilizer markets and increasing energy prices, which could significantly impact food and agriculture production costs. The FAO has highlighted that fertilizers need to be applied at specific times during the crop cycle, and any delays could result in reduced yields. This situation is expected to affect countries reliant on exports, such as those in Africa, Asia, and parts of the Middle East, especially those already facing food insecurity and economic challenges. 
