
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
Nature's Treats: 10 Organic products That Lift Prosperity - 2
Congolese rape survivors search in vain for medicine after USAID cuts - 3
Central African Republic's president sworn in for a third term after disputed election - 4
Common ADHD medication prescribed in childhood may protect against risk of psychosis - 5
Solid Propensities: Little Changes for a Superior Life
Cyber Monday Paramount+ deal: Save 50% and stream these buzzy Taylor Sheridan shows
Florence's Uffizi Gallery moves treasures to safety after cyberattack
What are the health benefits of whole milk for kids?
'Euphoria' releases Season 3 photos with Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi and others: See them
Only 30% of young people in Israel optimistic about future, Aluma survey reveals
Birds Will Flock To Your Birdbath When You Plant These Two Flowers Around It
Songbirds swap colorful plumage genes across species lines among their evolutionary neighbors
NASA's SPHEREx telescope completes its 1st cosmic map of the entire sky and it's stunning!
Vote In favor of Your Favored Video Conferencing Administration












