Dhaka, May 3 -- The government plans to import more than 1.7 million tonnes of fertiliser from the Middle East and alternative sources to ensure supply for the Aman season starting in June, amid a sharp drop in local production.

Output at domestic fertiliser factories has nearly come to a halt due to a fuel crisis, forcing the authorities to rely heavily on imports to safeguard food security.

Global fertiliser prices have surged to a four-year high amid escalating geopolitical tensions, including conflicts involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz -- a key shipping route handling around 20 per cent of global fuel and 30 per cent of fertiliser -- have further worsened the situation.

According to t...