Guterres: A global food crisis is imminent due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global trade, has already caused a sharp rise in energy and fertilizer prices, raising the specter of an impending global food security crisis. Guterres stressed the urgent need to fully reopen the strait without any restrictions to prevent further deterioration of the economic and humanitarian situation worldwide.
General context and importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important waterways, connecting the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes through it daily, along with enormous quantities of liquefied natural gas, making it a strategic chokepoint for the global economy. Historically, the strait has been a stage for geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and any threat of its closure sends shockwaves through global energy and commodity markets, given the dependence of numerous industrialized and developing nations on the supplies that transit it.
Guterres' statements and the repercussions of the crisis
At a press conference in Nairobi, Guterres explained, “We are witnessing a sharp rise in prices as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and therefore we believe it is absolutely essential that it be fully and unrestrictedly opened.” He added that all parties involved have been called upon to take immediate steps to achieve this, stressing that this is “the only way to restore energy and fertilizer prices to pre-war levels, which is essential for countries like Kenya” and other developing nations that rely heavily on agricultural imports.
Expected impacts on global food security
The severity of the crisis lies in the fact that fertilizers are a fundamental element of modern agricultural production. With rising prices or shortages, farmers worldwide are struggling to maintain their production levels, inevitably leading to reduced harvests. Guterres warned that “the planting season is approaching, and without fertilizers, we can imagine facing a serious food security problem next year.” He stressed that opening the straits without restrictions is crucial for the benefit of the entire international community to avert a scenario that could lead to food shortages and famine in the most vulnerable regions.
A call for de-escalation and protection of the global economy
Guterres concluded his remarks by emphasizing that regional conflicts should not undermine the stability of the global economy. He stated, "It makes no sense for a conflict between several countries to have an impact that undermines the global economy." His appeal represents an urgent call to the international community to work towards diplomatic solutions that guarantee freedom of navigation in international waterways and prevent the use of economics as a weapon in political conflicts, thus protecting millions of people around the world from the threat of hunger and poverty.
