Anadolu Agency (Türkiye) published an article titled “Iran war: Hormuz crisis raises fears for global agriculture and food security,” featuring analysis from IFPRI Research Fellow Emeritus Joseph Glauber, who was interviewed for the piece.
The article highlights expert concerns that escalating tensions in the Gulf and potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could pressure global fertilizer supplies, raise energy costs, and ultimately drive higher food prices worldwide.
Glauber pointed out that the Gulf’s importance goes beyond fertilizer exports, as it is also a major source of LNG, a key feedstock in fertilizer production.
The major fertilizer products “are going to come under pressure by the fact that there’s just less natural gas available,” Glauber told Anadolu. He warned that prolonged restrictions could lead farmers to reduce fertilizer use or shift to lower‑input crops if disruptions persist.
Glauber also agreed that energy markets are likely to have a bigger effect on retail food prices than fertilizer shortages alone.
He also added that while markets would eventually adjust, it would likely come with increased costs: “I’m confident that the market will work in that regard, but at a higher cost. That’s, I think, the real concern.”