Written by If the Strait of Hormuz were closed for a long period, the Philippines could face a major rice crisis because fertilizer and fuel prices could explode worldwide. It is strategic for Iran to keep the strait closed is it get high oil prices for its exports and pressures the nations to take Iran’s postion and creates pressure to remsove US sanctions, and it is charging 2 million USD for passage of a ship.
Modern rice farming depends heavily on imported fertilizer, especially urea. A typical rice farm may use 4–8 sacks of fertilizer per hectare each season. Without enough fertilizer, rice yields can drop dramatically.
The Philippines already imports millions of tons of rice each year. If global fuel and fertilizer supplies are disrupted:
- fertilizer prices rise
- diesel for irrigation and transport rises
- trucking and milling costs rise
- imported rice becomes more expensive
Small farmers would be hit first. Many could reduce fertilizer use or plant less land because costs become too high causing:
- lower rice harvests
- rising rice prices nationwide
- increased dependence on imports
- food inflation affecting every family
In a severe long-term scenario, rice prices could climb far above normal levels as production costs increase and global supply tightens.
Rice is not just food in the Philippines — it is national stability. Any major disruption to fertilizer and energy supply chains could affect millions of households.
The projection is white rice at P85 per kilo to P120 for worst case scenerio. Double to tripple prices over the next 2 years.
The issue of lack of nutition in the Phillipines is increasing, feritlilizer and fuel shortage will excalate the condition.
Hive Community Solutions
Nursary for low nutient need plants, such as papaya, berries, root crops.
Community seed and cutting sharing.