United Nations: A Third of the World’s Fertilizers Stuck in the Strait of Hormuz

SadaNews - Jorge Moreira da Silva, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, warned that a third of the world's fertilizer supplies are currently "stuck" in the Strait of Hormuz, confirming that the international organization is ready to activate a mechanism to ensure the safe passage of shipments within a week.

Da Silva, who also heads the United Nations Task Force on the Strait of Hormuz, stated in a post on the "X" platform that the delays in the passage of these shipments threaten current agricultural seasons.

He added: "This is not just about logistics or the economy; it’s about saving lives. If we do not act, a massive food crisis will severely hit the most vulnerable groups."

The UN official clarified that the United Nations has a solution ready for implementation, saying: "Our mechanism to facilitate the safe passage of these essential goods could be in place within just 7 days."

He continued: "As long as freedom of navigation has not fully stabilized yet due to ongoing negotiations in the context of the war, let us at least rely on an exceptional, limited, and time-bound mechanism for fertilizers only, because this is still possible before it's too late for the agricultural season."

Da Silva pointed out that the World Food Program provided shocking numbers, stating that the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could push an additional 45 million people towards hunger and famine.

He called for collective action, emphasizing that "the solution exists, and what we lack now is the collective will to implement it."

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global trade; however, escalating tensions have disrupted supply chains, raising fears of a severe shortage of the necessary fertilizers to ensure global food security.