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UN states that a disruption in global fertilizer transport through the Strait of Hormuz could worsen food insecurity and trigger a major humanitarian crisis.
A new international concern involving the Strait of Hormuz put global authorities on alert this Monday, May 11, 2026. The United Nations reported that a possible blockade in the maritime passage could interrupt the worldwide transport of fertilizers, essential inputs for agricultural production.
The alert was released by the AFP agency after an interview with Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). He also leads the UN working group tasked with preventing an imminent humanitarian crisis.
According to Moreira da Silva, the world has only a few weeks to prevent a large-scale crisis. The blockade, if it proceeds, could lead to 45 million people being pushed into hunger and starvation in different countries.
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Strait of Hormuz becomes critical point for fertilizer transport
The Strait of Hormuz is at the center of concern for being a strategic route for international maritime trade. A disruption in this passage could directly affect the global flow of fertilizers and put pressure on agricultural supply chains dependent on these shipments.
The UN’s concern focuses on the humanitarian impact of the logistical crisis. Without sufficient fertilizers, vulnerable countries could face a drop in food production and an increase in food insecurity within a few weeks.
UN alert exposes risk of humanitarian crisis
Jorge Moreira da Silva told AFP that there is still a short window to prevent the situation from worsening. The statement reinforces that the problem involves not only maritime trade but also food security on an international scale.
The UN considers the blockade a threat because fertilizers sustain a significant part of global agricultural production. A prolonged interruption could increase hunger in regions already exposed to social and economic vulnerability.
Key points of the international alert
• The alert was issued on May 11, 2026, according to AFP.
• The named source is Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of UNOPS.
• The risk involves the global transport of fertilizers through the Strait of Hormuz.
• The UN states that 45 million people could face hunger and starvation.
• The window to avoid the crisis is a few weeks, according to the UN representative.
Crisis could escalate if shipments are interrupted
The UN-led working group monitors the risk of humanitarian worsening if fertilizer shipments are blocked. The concern increases because the interruption of these inputs can quickly affect food production in countries dependent on maritime transport.
Moreira da Silva’s statement shows that the crisis could move beyond logistics and directly affect vulnerable populations. The question now is will the international community be able to act before the blockade turns fertilizers into a trigger for a new global escalation of hunger?
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