
The interruption of oil and gas supplied through the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Israel war with Iran has dramatically pushed up global energy prices.
Petrol has gone up already and UK domestic heating bills are almost certain to follow.
But it's not just fuel that's been impacted by the conflict. A host of other vitally important chemicals, gases and other products normally enter international supply chains via the Hormuz Strait.
BBC Verify has found that the price of a host of goods - ranging from food, to smartphones, to medicines - could be affected, as the number of ships passing through the Hormuz Strait has dropped from well over 100 a day before the war to just a handful.
Here is what could be impacted.
Fertilisers (Food)
Petrochemicals are derived from oil and gas and they are produced in great quantities for export by countries in the Gulf region.
And one of the most important is fertiliser, vital for global agricultural production.
According to the United Nations, around a third of the world's fertilisers - such as urea, potash, ammonia and phosphates - normally pass through the Hormuz Strait.
Data from the World Trade Organization shows that, since the conflict began, outbound shipments of fertiliser-related products through the waterway have collapsed.
Analysts have warned that a shortage of these ferilisers is likely to be particularly damaging to agricultural production now because March and April are the northern hemisphere's planting season and less fertiliser use now by farmers will impact yields for later in the year.
"A relatively brief closure could disrupt an entire growing season, with food security consequences that persist long after the strait reopens," according to researchers at the Kiel Institute.
-
Nearly 100 ships pass the Hormuz Strait - who is getting through?
-
How risky would it be to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz?
-
In maps: Attacks across Iran and the Middle East enter third week
The Institute's work suggests a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz could push up global wheat prices by 4.2% and fruit and vegetable prices by 5.2%.
And it estimates that the most badly affected countries in terms of the overall increase in food prices would be Zambia (31%), Sri Lanka (15%), Taiwan (12%) and Pakistan (11%).
Russia normally supplies around a fifth of global fertiliser exports and analysts say it could potentially increase production to fill the gap.
Vladimir Putin's special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, has said that Russia, a major producer of commodities like fertiliser, is "well positioned".
LATEST POSTS
- 1
French lawmakers narrowly approve health care budget, suspending Macron's flagship pension reform - 2
Selena Quintanilla documentary 'Selena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy' is coming to Netflix - 3
The beauty advent calendar boom is here. Sephora kids are all in. - 4
'Sex and the City' star Kim Cattrall marries longtime partner Russell Thomas in intimate London wedding - 5
‘This year nearly broke me as a scientist’ – US researchers reflect on how 2025’s science cuts have changed their lives
Washington resident is infected with a different type of bird flu
Exploring Being a parent: A Survey of \Bits of knowledge and Guidance for Guardians\ Nurturing Book
NASA astronauts to return from space early due to an 'unexpected medical issue.' What happened — and when are they coming home?
Opening Innovativeness: Moving Thoughts and Tasks
A Manual for Nations with Extraordinary Food
Where should we send a real 'Hail Mary' spacecraft? A new study has the answers
Thousands of New York City nurses set to strike Monday if deal isn't reached with hospitals
The Electric Bicycle Americans Can Confide in 2024
Most normal matter in the universe isn't found in planets, stars or galaxies – an astronomer explains where it's distributed











