--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20260825-un-hormuz-fertilizer-transit-mechanism-2026/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # UN proposes Oman-based mechanism to restore fertilizer transit through Strait of Hormuz Publication Date: 2026-08-25T13:00:00-04:00 Last Updated: 2026-08-25T06:17:56-04:00 Author: Kim Clarksen (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/kimclarksen/) Categories: [Trade & Policy](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/), [Food Security](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/food-security/) ![Onu building with flags under a blue sky in New York, USA](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/onu-building-with-flags-under-a-blue-sky-in-new-york-usa-stockpack-istock-scaled.jpg) The Oman-based coordination mechanism aims to restore predictable fertilizer shipping without altering international law obligations. The United Nations has proposed a neutral coordination mechanism to facilitate fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, Secretary-General António Guterres said on August 24. The mechanism would be managed from Oman and aims to reduce immediate transit risks, support more orderly passage, and rebuild confidence among shipping operators, Guterres told a press briefing in New York. The strait has been effectively closed to commercial traffic since late February, when the Iran conflict escalated into a U.S.-Israeli military campaign. The disruption has cut off roughly 20% of global seaborne fertilizer exports, according to Signal Group analysis, and contributed to a spike in urea prices that peaked above $850 per metric ton in April before easing to around $409 per metric ton by late August. Under the proposal, the UN would serve as a neutral facilitator — registering and verifying ships carrying fertilizer and related products — without authorizing passage or altering states' rights under international law. Guterres stressed that the mechanism could only work if all parties to the conflict agreed to accept it. Tehran has indicated it intends to impose transit fees on strait traffic, a position the United States and regional governments oppose. Oil prices remain about 33% above pre-conflict levels, while global container shipping rates have surged 84% year-over-year, Guterres said. The initiative follows months of diplomatic discussions that Guterres launched in March, as fertilizer supply disruptions intensified food security concerns across import-dependent regions in South Asia, the Sahel, and Southeast Asia. Source: [Gulf News](https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/un-offers-to-facilitate-fertilizer-transit-through-hormuz-1.500651034) --- ## What to know about the UN Hormuz fertilizer transit proposal ### What is the proposed mechanism?+ A neutral UN-managed coordination system based in Oman that would register and verify ships carrying fertilizer and related products, aiming to restore predictable transit through the Strait of Hormuz without altering international law. ### Why is the Strait of Hormuz important for fertilizer?+ Roughly 20% of global seaborne fertilizer exports pass through the strait. Gulf Cooperation Council members including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman supply approximately one-quarter of global urea exports. ### What conditions must be met?+ All parties to the conflict — including Iran, the United States, and regional governments — must agree to accept the mechanism. Iran has indicated it wants to impose transit fees, which the U.S. and others oppose. ### How has the disruption affected fertilizer markets?+ Urea prices peaked above $850 per metric ton in April, and global container shipping rates have risen 84% year-over-year. Fertilizer-related shipments through the strait remain at or near zero as of mid-August. ### What happens next?+ The UN will continue diplomatic engagement from Oman. No timeline for implementation has been announced, and agreement from all conflict parties remains the critical prerequisite. Tags: [fertilizer prices](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/fertilizer-prices/), [food security](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/food-security/), [Iran](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/iran/), [Middle East](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/middle-east/), [shipping](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/shipping/), [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/strait-of-hormuz/), [supply chain](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/supply-chain/), [United Nations](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/united-nations/) --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.