Hormuz Strait Blockade Triggers Global Fertiliser Crisis and Inflation Surge

Escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions have effectively throttled the Strait of Hormuz, choking off critical energy and fertiliser shipments. The maritime chokepoint, through which roughly 20% of global oil and 25% of liquefied natural gas flows, now risks cascading into a full-blown supply chain collapse. Carlos Razo of UNCTAD warns that fertiliser flows—especially urea and phosphates—have already contracted by 15-20% in the past month, pushing prices upward by an estimated $50-70 per metric ton.

Reported by Arthur Sterling (Macroeconomics Editor).