PARIS: The United Nations warned on Monday that tens of millions of people could face hunger and starvation if fertiliser shipments do not resume through the Strait of Hormuz in the coming weeks.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, said the world stands on the brink of a severe humanitarian emergency due to ongoing disruptions in fertiliser trade.
Speaking in Paris, Moreira da Silva stated that the crisis could push an additional 45 million people into hunger if governments fail to act quickly. He stressed that global planting seasons, particularly across Africa, cannot wait for lengthy political negotiations.
Iran has restricted navigation through the strategic waterway for months in response to the US-Israeli military campaign launched on February 28. As a result, shipments of fertilisers and key raw materials including ammonia, sulphur, and urea have faced major delays.
The UN secretary-general established a special task force in March to create a mechanism allowing essential fertiliser cargo through the strait. According to Moreira da Silva, the United Nations could activate the system within seven days if political approval emerges.
Meanwhile, the task force leader said he has engaged with more than 100 countries to build international support for the initiative. However, he noted that the United States, Iran, and several Gulf nations have not fully endorsed the proposal despite growing concern worldwide.
Moreira da Silva also warned that fertiliser costs have already surged sharply, although food prices have not yet fully reflected the impact. Experts believe prolonged supply disruptions could reduce agricultural productivity and significantly increase food prices globally.
He emphasized that allowing only five fertiliser vessels daily through the strait could help prevent a broader food security disaster.
