Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
FAO's Maximo Torero warns that high fertilizer costs and prolonged conflict may force farmers to cut inputs and plantings. A 20% reduction in fertilizers could slash yields by 25%, as costs now consume half of smallholder budgets.
Vegetable oil prices increased 5.1% in March, marking a third consecutive monthly rise, while sugar prices jumped 7.2% to their highest level since October 2025. Both increases are linked to rising energy costs driven by the Iran war and disruptions to Gulf trade infrastructure.(Ground News, 2026)
FAO's Food Price Index rose 2.4% in March 2026, reaching its highest level since September of the previous year. The increase reflects the impact of higher energy costs linked to the Iran war, which disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and pushed crude benchmarks close to USD 120 per barrel.
Natural gas prices, the main input for fertilizers, increased by up to 50%, driving up the cost of the sector (Agrolatam, 2026).
Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell more than 95% (from over 100 vessels per day to fewer than 10), disrupting flows of oil, LNG and fertilizers essential for global agricultural production (UNCTAD, 2026).
Urea prices have risen by up to 50% internationally due to the conflict in the Middle East (La Nación, 2026).
Fertilizer applications in some crops could decrease by up to 25% due to rising prices (Mundoagro, 2026).
Fertilizer prices have increased by up to 30% in some markets due to the global crisis (Mundoagro, 2026).
The price of fertilizers increased by up to a third in one month due to the conflict (Infobae, 2026).
75% of the value of the world trade in fertilizers corresponds to nitrogenous fertilizers (Plataforma Tierra, 2026).
