Iran war pushes UK fertiliser costs up 70%, threatening global food prices

TL;DR UK farmers could see fertiliser costs jump up to 70% because of Iran‑related disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing grocery prices higher and worrying 80% of Britons. The ripple effect may raise global food prices next year if the shipping lane stays closed.

Context The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Oman and Iran, carries about a fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas, a key ingredient for nitrogen fertilisers such as urea. When Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to close the route in late February, shipments of that gas slowed, tightening supplies of a core farm input. The closure has left roughly 1,600 vessels stranded, according to industry monitors.

Key Facts UK farmers now face fertiliser cost increases of up to 70% due to the Iran war, according to industry analysis. Mark Preston, executive trustee of the Grosvenor Group, warned that fertiliser shortages through the Strait of Hormuz will cause a dramatic global food problem. Separate research by Opinium found that 80% of Britons worry about rising grocery prices, a trend linked to retailers passing on higher farm costs.

What It Means Higher fertiliser prices raise the cost of growing crops, which can translate into more expensive bread, dairy, and meat for consumers. If farmers delay purchases, yields may fall later in the season, amplifying upward pressure on food prices worldwide. Preston noted that while UK crops may be insulated this year because most fertiliser has already been applied, the impact could surface next year as planting decisions are made.

Watch for any signs that the Strait of Hormuz reopens, as well as government responses such as subsidies for fertilisers or incentives to adopt alternative nutrients like manure‑based products.