War disrupts fertiliser supplies and puts food security at risk

Artificial fertilizers provide key nutrients for food crops, with yields at risk if farmers cannot buy them. © Jean Christophe VERHAEGEN / AFP

Paris (AFP) – With production in the Gulf countries at a standstill and gas prices rising, the war in the Middle East is disrupting the supply of fertilisers and posing risks for food security.

A third of fertiliser shipped by sea comes from the region and cannot make it to the global market as Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.