UN Warns of Global Food Crisis From Strait of Hormuz Closure

The United Nations has warned of a global food crisis due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said the disruption could severely affect food production and supply chains worldwide.

Maximo Torero, Chief Economist at the Food and Agriculture Organization, said time is running out for many countries. He noted that nations like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Kenya, Brazil, and Thailand are entering a critical planting season.

He explained that the Strait of Hormuz carries about 35 percent of the world’s oil, 20 percent of natural gas, and a significant share of global fertilizer supply. Therefore, its closure has halted essential resources needed for agriculture.

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As a result, farmers may not get enough fertilizer to plant crops. Even if they plant, lower fertilizer availability will reduce yields, which could lead to widespread food shortages across multiple regions.

Torero added that even if the route reopens soon, recovery will take months. Supply chains for oil, gas, and fertilizer may take at least three months to stabilize, increasing the risk of a prolonged global food crisis caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure.