UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a sharp rise in energy and fertiliser prices, stressing that the waterway must be fully reopened without restrictions. 

“We are witnessing a sharp increase in prices because of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and that is precisely why we believe it is absolutely necessary to reopen it fully and without restrictions,” the UN chief said during a press conference in Nairobi.

According to Guterres, the United Nations has called on the parties to open the strait, saying this is the only way to return energy and fertiliser prices to pre-war levels.

He noted that several countries are already facing the threat of a food crisis due to fertiliser shortages.

The impact on the global economy is unacceptable, Guterres said.

“It makes no sense for a conflict between a few countries to have such an effect that it disrupts the global economy,” he stated.