Severe cut in fertiliser supply could see food prices spike this winter

Farmers are on the hook after gas hike forces cut in global production by a third, tripling costs and threatening feed supplies for livestock

Many European manufacturers, such as Yara in Norway, have ceased ammonia production since September because it is not economically viable with gas prices so high. Picture: Yara’s fertiliser plant in Siilinjärvi

A severe shortage of chemical fertiliser and unprecedented price spikes for the product could result in a fodder crisis in Ireland next year as feed supplies for livestock reduce, the Irish agribusiness sector has warned.

The recent surge in fertiliser markets, which has led to prices tripling in a matter of weeks, is also likely to result in higher food prices on supermarket shelves this winter, as the United Nations food price index shows food ...