UN warns of humanitarian crisis as Hormuz disruptions risk agriculture

The United Nations is focusing on ensuring shipments of fertilisers can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with a new task force aimed at preventing what officials warn could become a “massive humanitarian crisis.”

Jorge Moreira da Silva said the initiative will prioritise vessels carrying fertilisers and related raw materials.

“Disruptions in maritime trade” through the strait “risk creating ripple effects impacting humanitarian needs and agricultural production in the coming months,” da Silva said.

He added the UN is “standing by to support this lifesaving operation” to help countries in the Middle East and beyond, including in Africa and Asia, that rely on fertiliser imports.

The UN Secretary General announced today the creation of a Task Force which I am very honoured to coordinate. It is for the development of a Mechanism to have safe, orderly, and predictable maritime transit for humanitarian purposes through the Strait of Hormuz.

This Task Force…

— Jorge Moreira da Silva (@UNOPS_Chief) March 27, 2026