India, April 1 -- A near shutdown of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is fuelling fears of a wider food crisis, as rising fertiliser costs begin to hit farmers across import-dependent countries. Escalating disruptions are placing unprecedented pressure on the global food system, raising urgent concerns about food security, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has warned in a rapid assessment.

Shipping through the route has collapsed, with transits down by more than 95 per cent, disrupting energy and fertiliser flows. The region is central to global fertiliser supply, both as a producer and as a key trade corridor.

The impact of the war on energy markets was now feeding through to fertiliser supply chains, thre...