
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
Manageable Living: Eco-Accommodating Decisions for Regular day to day existence - 2
5 Indoor Plants That Further develop Air Quality - 3
Top German court to rule on claims by Wirecard shareholders - 4
Delta flight bound for Atlanta makes emergency landing after engine issue - 5
Artemis II astronauts find hidden Easter eggs as they close in on the moon
Where should we send a real 'Hail Mary' spacecraft? A new study has the answers
Cheetah, Hammerhead Shark, and 38 Other Animals in Danger of Extinction Receive New International Protections from U.N.
The most effective method to Go with Informed Choices on Vehicle Leases
Best Getaway destination: Ocean side, Mountain, or City
Artemis 2 astronaut Victor Glover delivers inspiring Easter message on the way to the moon (video)
Building a Maintainable Closet: Individual Excursions in Moral Style
Novartis eyes more bolt-on acquisitions, CEO says
Disney's latest short film 'Versa' tackles a difficult subject: Pregnancy loss. It's resonating with viewers.
Figure out How to Establish a long term connection with Your Handshake













