Hormuz blockade to hit global food production

MOSCOW: A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would lead to a reduction in global food production and supplies in the second half of this year and in 2027, said a United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

"The consequences affect not only current price levels but will also impact harvests in subsequent seasons, leading to a reduction in food production and supplies in the second half of 2026 and in 2027," said Oleg Kobiakov, Director of the UN FAO Liaison Office with the Russian Federation.

He explained that agricultural production follows a crop calendar with inflexible timelines, meaning that even a delay of a few weeks could force farmers to reduce or entirely forgo fertiliser application, resulting in lower yields regardless of subsequent conditions.

"According to an analysis conducted by the FAO, the interconnected shocks caused by the crisis could lead to rising food prices and increased hunger in countries and regions already affected by protracted or acute food crises," Kobiakov said.

On Feb 28, the United States (US) and Israel began striking targets in Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes by Iran.

In mid-June, Teheran and Washington signed a memorandum to cease hostilities, although they subsequently exchanged strikes again.

The conflict remains unresolved.

The escalation of the conflict has brought shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to a near-standstill.

The strait is a key supply route for the global oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas markets.

As a result, fuel prices have risen in most countries around the world.