The article explores the connection between food prices and military actions against Iran, emphasizing that the conflict is not only about oil, as evident from rising prices at gas stations, but also critically involves fertilizers. It points out that nitrogen-based fertilizers, vital for global agriculture, have a dependency on natural gas, primarily sourced from the Persian Gulf. Without these fertilizers, only about half of the world’s population could be sustained, underlining their importance in food production.

Czech farmers consuming around 670,000 tons of nitrogen fertilizers annually highlight the essential role these fertilizers play in modern agriculture. The production of nitrogen relies heavily on ammonia, which requires substantial amounts of natural gas. With Iran declaring a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz – a crucial passage for about 30% of globally traded nitrogen fertilizers – the implications for food supply chains are severe. As geopolitical tensions escalate, the specter of another 'nitrogen shock' looms, reminiscent of the price surge following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where urea prices soared to $925 per ton.

Currently, urea prices have dipped to about $683, but the article warns that continued instability in the Persian Gulf region could trigger another spike. The potential for increases in the cost of essential commodities like fertilizers, directly linked to military action, poses significant concerns for global food security and economic stability, particularly for regions heavily reliant on consistent fertilizer supplies for agricultural production.