War in the Middle East has disrupted gas supplies and fertilizer production, causing long queues and higher energy prices for households [1].
These disruptions threaten regional food security and economic stability by inflating the cost of basic necessities for millions of people across the region.
Supply chain failures have been exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A spokesperson for the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture said the closure hinders the passage of approximately 30% of global fertilizer shipments [2], which drives prices higher.
In countries such as Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, and Egypt, the impact is felt through sharply increased fertilizer and energy bills [1]. Residents in these nations are facing higher living costs as gas imports are limited and production is hampered by the ongoing conflict [1].
The financial strain extends beyond the immediate combat zones. The World Bank said energy prices are expected to jump 24% in 2026, reaching their highest levels since the full-scale Russian invasion [3].
Other nations are also feeling the pressure. Ali Pervaiz Malik, the Pakistani oil minister, said it was inevitable to raise fuel prices to ease the increasing pressures resulting from the Middle East war [4].
The conflict, which escalated in 2023 and continues into 2026, has created a ripple effect that transforms daily life into a struggle for affordable energy [1]. From gas queues in Iraq to farmers in Egypt facing rising input costs, the instability of the region's energy infrastructure is impacting the most vulnerable populations [1].
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz hinders the passage of approximately 30% of global fertilizer shipments.”
The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz creates a systemic shock to both the energy and agricultural sectors. Because fertilizer production is heavily dependent on natural gas and its transport relies on these narrow maritime corridors, the conflict is transitioning from a geopolitical crisis to a humanitarian one, specifically by increasing the risk of food insecurity through higher farming costs.
