UN agency warns Hormuz block could trigger global food crisis
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has issued a warning regarding the potential for a global food price crisis due to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. This strait, which previously facilitated a significant portion of global oil and fertilizer shipping, is now effectively closed following military actions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The FAO emphasizes the need for alternative routes and cautions against export restrictions to mitigate the impending crisis.
- ▪The FAO warned that the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a severe global food price crisis.
- ▪Hormuz accounted for a fifth of global oil shipping and a third of the world's fertilizer supply before the conflict.
- ▪The FAO stated that the Hormuz blockage is the beginning of a systemic agrifood shock, with a potential crisis expected within six to twelve months.
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UN agency warns Hormuz block could trigger global food crisisSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThe FAO said its global food price index had risen for three consecutive months since the start of the conflict.PHOTO: EPAPublished May 20, 2026, 09:26 PMUpdated May 20, 2026, 09:26 PMROME - The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned on May 20 that the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz could “trigger a severe global food price crisis” in the coming months.Hormuz accounted for a fifth of global oil shipping before the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, which prompted Tehran to effectively shut down the strait to tanker and cargo traffic.A third of the world’s fertiliser supply also passed through the strait before the war, and officials have warned that…
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