Russian Official Warns Strait of Hormuz Blockade Would Impact Food Production
Security Council Deputy Secretary says 10% oil supply disruption would affect fertilizer output and planting season
Quick Look
- Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Alexey Shevtsov warned that a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would impact food production costs and output.
- About 20% of world oil passes through the strait, and a closure would remove 10% of oil supplies from the market, causing shortages.
- Shevtsov noted EU carbon sales have decreased by 10% and are being replaced by coal, affecting fertilizer production during the current planting season.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil chokepoint, with approximately 20% of world oil supplies passing through it. Russian officials have been increasingly vocal about global energy and food security risks amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would affect food production costs and output, Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Alexey Shevtsov told reporters. "With regard to the Middle East crisis and the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's oil passes, according to the International Energy Agency, if it were closed, about 10% of oil supplies would cease to reach the market. This would lead to a shortage," he said. "If we analyze the energy balance of the European Union, we see that carbon [sales] have also decreased by 10% recently and are being replaced by coal. All of this affects fertilizer production as well. The planting season is currently underway. This will also impact food production," Shevtsov added.
Open Questions
- Would Iran actually blockade the strait?
- What contingency plans exist for alternative oil routes?
- How quickly would fertilizer production be affected?
