The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran is causing shortages of very expensive artificial fertilizer
92% confidence
AgricultureInternational
Omissions
The sources describe the strait as 'severely constrained' or 'nearly entirely closed' rather than a formal declared blockade; the disruption is due to Iranian attacks on shipping amid the Iran war context; potash prices have been less affected compared to nitrogen-based fertilizers.
Sources
SecondaryCarnegie Endowment for International PeaceAbout one-third of global seaborne trade in fertilizers typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been nearly entirely closed
SecondaryUN News - United NationsThe Strait is not formally closed, but severely constrained, amid multiple Iranian attacks on shipping since war erupted; rising production costs for fertilisers
SecondaryEuronewsThe fertilizer market is facing a double crisis: the Iran war is driving up prices, the Strait of Hormuz is blocked
SecondaryFarmDoc Daily - University of IllinoisAs of March 17, 2026, DAP and MAP have risen above $700/MT, urea has moved above $600/MT, and UAN has surpassed $400/MT