UN Warns Millions Could Face Hunger Due to Strait of Hormuz Fertiliser Disruption
May 2026 | By Azad News
A senior United Nations official has warned that tens of millions of people around the world could face hunger and food insecurity if fertiliser shipments are not allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz soon.
The warning comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global trade routes, particularly in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for the transportation of fertilisers and agricultural raw materials.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, head of a UN task force established to address the growing crisis, said delays in fertiliser deliveries could severely affect global farming and food production.
According to the United Nations, nearly one-third of the world’s fertiliser trade normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making the disruption a major threat to global agriculture.
The UN official warned that if the situation continues, an additional 45 million people could face hunger and starvation due to reduced agricultural productivity and rising food prices.
Fertilisers and essential agricultural materials such as ammonia, sulphur, and urea have faced major shipping delays as regional tensions remain unresolved.
The United Nations established a special task force in March to negotiate safe passage for fertiliser shipments and minimise the risk of a large-scale humanitarian crisis.
UN officials stated that discussions have taken place with more than 100 countries in an effort to build international support for reopening maritime access for agricultural trade.
However, major regional powers and key stakeholders have yet to fully support the proposed mechanism aimed at restoring stable shipping operations through the strait.
Experts warn that prolonged disruption could particularly affect countries in Africa and Asia, where planting seasons are approaching and dependence on imported fertilisers remains high.
Although global food prices have not sharply increased yet, fertiliser costs have already risen significantly, increasing concerns about future food shortages and inflation.
The UN task force stated that even if maritime routes reopen immediately, it may still take several months for global fertiliser supply chains to return to normal conditions.
Conclusion
The United Nations has urged urgent international action to restore fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that continued disruption could trigger a major global food security and humanitarian crisis affecting millions worldwide.
This article is a rewritten summary based on publicly available information. It has been fully paraphrased for informational purposes only and does not reproduce any original copyrighted text.
