Kathmandu, April 1 -- The impact of the chemical fertiliser crisis triggered by tensions in West Asia is already being felt in the United States and Europe, where the main crop planting season is underway. In South Asia, including Nepal, the fertiliser crisis is expected to hit the first planting season in the coming months.

In the worst-case scenario, if imports of chemical fertiliser are disrupted, it would lead to lower yields and possible crop failures.

Even if supply partially improves, higher input costs are likely to stop Nepal from buying abundantly.

Low yields could push up food prices next year.

Iran is limiting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage that typically handles about a fifth of the world's oil s...