The Diplomat | Santosh Nepal
Disruptions in oil flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, are precipitating an impending food crisis in South Asia by severely impacting fertilizer markets and agricultural systems. Modern agri-food systems are heavily energy-dependent, with nitrogen fertilizer production relying on natural gas. South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, are highly vulnerable due to their significant reliance on imported fertilizers and natural gas from the Persian Gulf. Higher fuel costs and logistical disruptions exacerbate supply chain issues, leading to delayed deliveries and reduced availability of essential nutrients for crops. This situation mirrors the 2007-2008 global food crisis, where rising oil prices tripled fertilizer costs and surged global food prices by over 50 percent, pushing millions into extreme poverty. To mitigate this, South Asia requires immediate stabilization measures like strategic reserves, diversified import sources, and regional cooperation, alongside long-term strategies such as improving fertilizer use efficiency, investing in alternative nutrient sources, and strengthening domestic supply systems.
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