War on Iran Drives Up Fertilizer and Fuel Costs for Oklahoma Farmers

Closure of Strait of Hormuz disrupts global supply of key agricultural inputs

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:19pm

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The ongoing war in Iran has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route not only for oil and gas, but also for fertilizers needed to produce the world's food. This is having a direct impact on Oklahoma farmers, who are facing skyrocketing prices and limited availability of nitrogen-based fertilizers like urea, as well as higher fuel costs to power their equipment.

Why it matters

The disruption to the global fertilizer supply chain and rising fuel prices pose a serious threat to Oklahoma's agricultural sector, which is already grappling with low crop prices and a years-long drought. If these pressures continue, some farmers, especially younger ones, may be forced out of the industry, raising concerns about the state's future food production capabilities.

The details

The price of urea, a key nitrogen-based fertilizer, has increased by 25% since the end of February, and many farmers are being told they can't get it until April 1st, which could put them past the optimal application window. At the same time, diesel prices have risen by over a dollar per gallon compared to last month, with farmers reporting an additional $500 per day in fuel costs to run their equipment.

  • The war in Iran has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since late February 2026.
  • Fertilizer prices have increased by 25% since the end of February 2026.
  • Diesel prices have risen by over $1 per gallon compared to last month.

The players

Stacy Simunek

President of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and a farmer himself.

Todd Hubbs

Crop marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University.

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What they’re saying

“We cannot grow without it. There is absolutely no way you get around it.”

— Stacy Simunek, President, Oklahoma Farm Bureau

“We're not the only people in the world that use nitrogen-based fertilizer, so there's competition around the globe for this.”

— Todd Hubbs, Crop Marketing Specialist, Oklahoma State University

What’s next

Farmers and industry groups are calling on state and federal officials to address the supply chain disruptions and provide relief measures to support the agricultural sector during this challenging time.

The takeaway

The war in Iran and the resulting closure of the Strait of Hormuz have created a perfect storm for Oklahoma's farmers, who are facing skyrocketing costs for essential inputs like fertilizers and fuel. This crisis highlights the vulnerability of the global food system to geopolitical conflicts and the urgent need to build more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.