NEW YORK, April 17 -- The United Nations (UN) has warned of a looming global food crisis if disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues, highlighting the critical role of the route in global energy and agricultural supply chains.

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Maximo Torero, chief economist at the Food and Agriculture Organization, said time is running out as planting seasons approach in several countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Kenya, Brazil and Thailand.

He noted that around 35 per cent of the world's oil, 20 per cent of natural gas, and 20 to 30 per cent of global fertiliser supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Any prolonged blockage would severely disr...