International fertilizer prices have soared, threatening Australia's food security.

Due to the Middle East conflicts, the risks of global fertilizer transportation have sharply increased, leading to a tight supply and soaring prices in the international market. Australian farmers are now under unprecedented survival pressure. Data shows that local fertilizer prices have skyrocketed by 20%, forcing farmers to stockpile various agricultural supplies in large quantities.

Australian farmer Lachlan MacSmith: "I have lived here for 73 years and have never seen the prices of fertilizers and fuels rise so fast. It is now the critical period for supplementing the sheep and sowing, but the costs have completely spun out of control." 
As a major importer of urea fertilizer, Australia relies on fertilizer supplies from the Middle East. However, recent shipping delays in the Strait of Hormuz have caused the price of fertilizer to soar upon arrival at the port, not only threatening the current season's grain output but also potentially pushing up food prices for the entire population. 
Australian farm manager Matt Bowden: "This not only affects farmers' production costs, but these costs will also be passed on to consumers, leading to price hikes for basic foods such as bread and meat."