Tens of millions of people could face hunger and starvation if fertilisers are not soon allowed through the Strait of Hormuz, Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), has warned.
A severe shortage of fertilisers is threatening to worsen global hunger, with UN officials warning that disruptions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, could push 45 million more people into hunger and starvation by mid-2026.
“We have a few weeks ahead of us to prevent what will likely be a massive humanitarian crisis,” Moreira da Silva told a leading news agency.
The United Nations Secretary-General created a task force in March to develop a mechanism for allowing fertilisers and related raw materials, such as ammonia, sulphur, and urea, through the strategic waterway.
For weeks, Moreira da Silva has been trying to convince the parties involved in the conflict to permit the movement of essential raw materials through the Strait of Hormuz. He said he has met representatives from “more than 100 countries” to rally support for efforts aimed at ensuring the smooth supply of fertilisers.
According to him, a growing number of countries are backing the proposal, though the United States, Iran, and several Gulf nations — key fertiliser producers — are yet to fully support the initiative.
While the long-term goal remains a lasting peace agreement and unrestricted navigation through the strait, Moreira da Silva stressed that “the planting season can’t wait,” especially in African countries where sowing periods are due within weeks.
Global attention has largely focused on the economic consequences of disruptions to oil and gas trade, but the United Nations has repeatedly warned about the growing threat to global food security posed by the blockade.
“It’s just a matter of time. If we don’t stop the origin of the crisis soon, we will have to deal with the consequences through humanitarian aid,” he said.
Although food prices have not surged dramatically yet, Moreira da Silva noted a “massive increase” in fertiliser costs, which experts believe could reduce agricultural productivity and drive food prices sharply higher.
He added that allowing an average of just five vessels carrying fertilisers and related raw materials through the Strait of Hormuz each day could help avert a global humanitarian crisis for farmers and food-importing nations.
