Fertilizer Shortage Threatens Bangladesh Crops: UN

Bangladesh faces a growing risk of reduced food production due to a potential fertilizer shortage triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a sharp surge in global urea prices, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned.

In a newly released report, the WFP said Bangladesh imports around 80 per cent of its urea fertilizer from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agency warned that the country's existing urea stock is sufficient to meet demand only until October.

According to the report, international urea prices have surged by nearly 50 per cent, while three of Bangladesh's five state-owned urea fertilizer plants have suspended production because of a gas shortage, increasing the risk of supply disruptions.

The WFP warned that prolonged fertilizer shortages could significantly affect agricultural production and leave around 18.1 million people in Bangladesh facing acute food insecurity.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi-bound oil tankers on Thursday, saying the strikes were carried out in response to what it described as violations of the maritime blockade in the Red Sea.

According to a statement broadcast by Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, the targeted vessels were ENCELIA and LAYLA. The group claimed it used drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in the attacks.

The developments come as Iran continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed while the United States maintains military strikes against Iran. Tehran has responded with retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, raising concerns over global energy supplies and disruptions to fertilizer and food supply chains.