Hormuz Closure Exposes Africa's 43% Gas Reliance, Driving Fuel and Fertiliser Shortages
Updated
Updated · OilPrice.com · Jul 19
Hormuz Closure Exposes Africa's 43% Gas Reliance, Driving Fuel and Fertiliser Shortages
3 articles · Updated · OilPrice.com · Jul 19
Summary
Several months of Strait of Hormuz closures have left parts of Africa facing severe fuel and fertiliser shortages, exposing how heavily some countries depend on Iranian-linked and Asian supply chains.
About 20% of global oil normally passes through Hormuz, and the U.S.-Israeli-led war on Iran has choked that route, pushing up oil and gas prices and feeding higher electricity costs across the continent.
Africa's vulnerability is amplified by its energy mix and infrastructure gaps: gas supplied 43% of electricity in 2024, oil another 8%, while much of the continent's crude is exported and later reimported as refined fuel.
Nigeria and Angola were cited as candidates to expand refining capacity, while stronger regional supply chains could reduce dependence on foreign powers and limit openings for Russia and Turkey to deepen influence.
Africa also holds 60% of the world's best solar resources, and a 2025 study said using just 25% of its renewable potential could sharply cut energy poverty and improve long-term energy security.
Can Africa's renewable potential be unlocked fast enough to counter the crisis-fueled instability and poverty?
Will the Hormuz crisis forge African energy independence or trap it in new geopolitical rivalries?
As global powers court Africa, who will become the continent's key partner in the new energy landscape?
Strait of Hormuz Closure 2026: Global Fertilizer and Fuel Shock Triggers Africa Food Crisis and Geopolitical Realignment
Overview
In early 2026, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz quickly disrupted global markets, causing fertilizer prices to rise. This disruption highlighted the Strait’s critical role in global supply chains beyond just oil. Diplomatic efforts led to an agreement between the United States and Iran, resulting in the reopening of the Strait in June 2026. Following this, fertilizer prices began to fall again. The sequence of closure, market impact, diplomatic resolution, and price recovery shows how closely global commodity markets are linked to geopolitical events and the importance of swift international cooperation.