Why are nitrogen fertilizer prices rising, and how severe is the supply disruption from the Persian Gulf?

Nitrogen fertilizer prices are rising because the Iran war has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz — a critical maritime chokepoint — cutting off about a third of global seaborne fertilizer trade; urea exports from the Gulf slumped to ~300,000 tons in March from typical monthly volumes of 1.7 million tons, with most remaining shipments coming only from Oman, according to Fertiglobe CEO Ahmed El-Hoshy.

What are the immediate consequences of high fertilizer prices for farmers and global food security?

High fertilizer prices are creating a 'very challenging situation for farmers’ economics' and risk translating into higher grain and food prices; slower buying is already observed in Sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, and Brazil, while US farmers face a mid-May deadline to secure fertilizer for planting — with uncertainty over remaining demand, especially in poorer countries more sensitive to price spikes.

UAE's Fertiglobe Says 'Toppy' Nitrogen Fertilizer Prices Have Room to Rise

Apr 20, 2026

Fertiglobe warns nitrogen fertilizer prices may rise further due to supply disruptions in the Persian Gulf caused by the Iran war. Urea exports have slumped significantly, threatening farmer economics and potentially leading to higher food prices globally.

bloomberg

2026-04-20

UAE's Fertiglobe Says 'Toppy' Nitrogen Fertilizer Prices Have Room to Rise

UAE's Fertiglobe Says 'Toppy' Nitrogen Fertilizer Prices Have Room to Rise

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