Fertilizer Australia has warned that ongoing disruptions to fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are creating increasing uncertainty around nitrogen fertiliser supply for Australian farmers.
More than 60% of Australia’s imported urea passes through this critical shipping route, and current disruptions in the Persian Gulf have already resulted in stranded cargoes and cancelled shipments.
Fertilizer Australia CEO Stephen Annells said that unless the situation improves in the coming days, Australia could face ongoing urea shortages.
Member companies are working to secure additional supply from alternative regions and identify substitute nitrogen products. However, these efforts may not fully meet demand in the medium term.
Farmers are being urged to plan ahead for the next 90–120 days and engage early with local suppliers to understand fertiliser availability for upcoming applications.
Growers are also encouraged to consult agronomists to improve nutrient use efficiency and explore alternative nitrogen options where necessary. Fertcare Accredited Agronomists can provide tailored advice to help optimise fertiliser use, maintain crop yields, and support sustainable farming practices.
With supply and pricing uncertainty likely to continue, improving nitrogen use efficiency will be critical to maintaining productivity while reducing reliance on constrained supply chains.
SOURCE: Agriculture Australia