Fertiliser prices stay high despite Persian Gulf ceasefire as shipping disruptions persist

Large CMA CGM container ship loaded with stacked cargo containers, guided toward a port by tugboats, with blue gantry cranes in the background.

By Prince Antwi June 25, 2026

Ghanaian farmers and fertiliser importers are still facing elevated input costs even after a ceasefire in the Persian Gulf, as ongoing global shipping disruptions and supply chain constraints continue to keep import prices high.

Although hostilities in the region have eased, fertiliser shipments from the Gulf remain affected by delays, limited vessel availability, and increased war-risk insurance charges. These factors have prevented freight and import costs from returning to pre-conflict levels.

The Persian Gulf is a major global source of key fertiliser raw materials such as urea, ammonia, and sulphur. During the period of conflict, exports were disrupted as shipping capacity was diverted toward crude oil and liquefied natural gas cargoes. At the same time, many fertiliser shipments experienced significant delays, worsening supply bottlenecks.

The lingering disruptions have pushed up costs for fertiliser importers in Ghana, with the increases gradually passing through to farmers who depend on these inputs for crops such as maize, rice, cocoa, and vegetables.

Industry analysts caution that sustained high fertiliser prices could lead farmers to reduce application rates, a move that may negatively affect crop yields and, in turn, drive food prices higher in the coming months.

This comes as food inflation shows early signs of upward movement. Despite support from a strong 2025 harvest, inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages rose from 2.3 percent in March 2026 to 3.3 percent in May 2026, reflecting the impact of rising production costs and supply chain pressures.

Experts in the sector say fertiliser prices may remain elevated until late 2026 or early 2027, depending on how quickly shipping backlogs are cleared and insurance costs normalise.

While the ceasefire has raised hopes of improved global supply conditions, stakeholders say a full recovery in fertiliser markets will depend on sustained stability in the Persian Gulf and the restoration of efficient international shipping routes.