New Delhi: Global food inflation risks are rising due to possible disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and worsening El Nino conditions, according to a Citi Research report, which warned that agricultural commodity prices could face strong upward pressure over the next 6-12 months.
The report said agriculture markets are vulnerable to supply disruptions caused by higher energy costs, fertiliser shortages and adverse weather conditions linked to El Nino.
"Agriculture price risks are heavily skewed to the upside over the next 6-12 months, as they face major supply risks resulting from a potential prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and from likely poor weather related to El Nino," Citi Research said in its Commodities Outlook report.
The report noted that a prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could increase the cost of agricultural production globally, as energy and fertiliser prices may rise sharply.
"A prolonged SoH closure would drive up the cost of agriculture production (via higher energy prices), reduce crop yields/output (owing to lower fertiliser and lower crop protection from oil based fungicides and pesticide availability)," the report added.
Citi Research also warned that higher fossil fuel prices could increase the use of agricultural commodities for biofuels, further pushing up food prices.
The report said traded agricultural prices have already started rising this year.
"Food prices are rising, with traded agricultural prices up 13 per cent year-to-date through mid-May," the report said.
According to the report, commodities such as sugar, cocoa and coffee are among the most exposed to weather-related risks from El Nino and energy-related supply disruptions.
Citi Research said El Nino could lead to hotter temperatures and lower rainfall across several parts of Asia, which may hurt crop production and tighten food supplies globally.
The report also highlighted that broader food indices were already up 5 per cent through April this year, indicating increasing pressure on global food inflation.
The Citi report comes at a time when global commodity markets remain volatile amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and concerns over supply chain disruptions affecting energy and food markets worldwide.
