1.81 crore people in Bangladesh may face severe food crisis: WFP

The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that Bangladesh's food production could face serious risks due to global supply chain uncertainties and rising urea fertiliser prices, potentially leaving an estimated 1.81 crore people in the country facing severe food insecurity.

A WFP report stated that following disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, international urea prices have risen significantly, raising the possibility of a fertiliser crisis in Bangladesh that could negatively impact agricultural output.

According to the report, about 80 percent of the urea fertiliser used in Bangladesh is imported from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It noted that existing urea stocks in the country are sufficient to meet demand until October.

However, international urea prices have already increased by about 50 percent. At the same time, due to gas supply shortages, three of the five state-owned urea factories in Bangladesh have suspended production, which could worsen the situation.

The WFP assessment said that if the fertiliser supply and production crisis continues, agricultural output could be disrupted. This would affect both food availability and prices, potentially pushing an estimated 1.81 crore people into severe food insecurity.