Khalid Al-Ameen: Iran’s aggressive targeting of Gulf states signals a looming global fertilizer crisis

TDT | Manama

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Manama The Chairman of the Food Committee at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Khalid Ali Al-Ameen, called on international organizations to take urgent action to address an unprecedented global fertilizer crisis resulting from Iran’s blatant targeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Al-Ameen explained that the Gulf region accounts for nearly 45% of global urea exports, making any disruption to production or transportation through the Strait of Hormuz directly impactful on intern a - tional markets and fertilizer prices, with potential repercussions for the agricultural sector and global food security.

He warned that rising fertilizer prices and declining availability in global markets could place increasing pressure on the agricultural sector worldwide, potentially affecting the supply of wheat and other staple grains. He noted that fertilizer prices have risen significantly in recent times due to unjustified Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz, increasing agricultural production costs and placing growing strain on global food security.

AlAmeen further highlighted that the Kingdom of Bahrain produces substantial quantities of ammonia, urea, and methanol, with the majority of its production exported to global markets. He noted that Bahrain’s annual exports reach most continents, including Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Australia, underscoring the Kingdom’s position as a key player in the global fertilizer market through an extensive network of partnerships and international cooperation.

He added that the Bahrain Chamber, in coordination with GCC chambers and international partners, will work on developing urgent solutions to ensure the continued flow of fertilizers to global markets amid current challenges. He emphasized that these efforts come at a time of sharp increases in global fertilizer prices and disruptions in supply chains due to escalating geopolitical tensions, making cooperation among international and regional organizations essential to safeguarding global food security and supporting the agricultural sector, a critical pillar for economic stability and global food markets.