The continued blockade of fertilizers in the Strait of Hormuz risks causing a “major humanitarian crisis within a few weeks,” the head of a UN task force responsible for releasing these crucial materials said Monday to AFP. “We have a few weeks to prevent what will likely be a major humanitarian crisis. We could witness a crisis that will plunge an additional 45 million people into hunger,” Jorge Moreira da Silva said in an interview with AFP. Iran has been blocking the Strait of Hormuz for several months, through which a third of the world’s fertilizers pass, in retaliation for the war triggered by the United States and Israel on February 28. The exports that usually pass through this strategic global maritime trade route are generally bound for Brazil, China, India, and Africa. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres established a task force in March, led by Jorge Moreira da Silva, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, to establish a mechanism for the passage of fertilizers and related raw materials such as ammonia, sulfur, and urea. Mr. Moreira da Silva said he has met with over 100 countries to garner support, particularly from UN member states, for this mechanism. However, the parties involved in the conflict – the United States, Iran, and Gulf countries – are not yet convinced. The “sowing season” “The problem is that the planting season does not wait,” Mr. Moreira da Silva emphasized, noting that some planting seasons will end in a few weeks in African countries. He believes that the passage of five ships carrying fertilizers and related raw materials per day would prevent a crisis for farmers. “It’s a matter of time. If we do not quickly address the source of the crisis, we will have to deal with the consequences with humanitarian aid,” said a UN official. If an agreement is reached, the mechanism could be operational in seven days, the UN official claimed. However, even if the strait were to reopen immediately, it would take three to four months, according to him, for a return to normal. Although food prices have not yet skyrocketed, Mr. Moreira da Silva notes a “strong increase” in the cost of fertilizers. Experts believe it will inevitably lead to a decrease in agricultural productivity and a spike in food prices. “We cannot hesitate on what is possible and urgent: allowing the passage of fertilizers through the strait and thus minimizing the risk of a serious global food insecurity crisis,” he insists.
