Hungary is trying to persuade the European Union to suspend additional duties on fertilizers from Belarus and Russia that were introduced last year, Politico reports.
In a letter sent to the European Commission, Hungarian Agriculture Minister István Nagy warned that rising global fertilizer prices and uncertainty over supplies due to the US and Israeli operation against Iran could create problems for farmers and lead to higher food prices. Budapest is therefore advocating the removal of duties on fertilizers from Russia and Belarus. Another proposal from Hungary is to ease restrictions on Russian gas.
Last year, the introduction of duties — which are ultimately intended to close the European market to nitrogen fertilizers from Belarus and Russia — was justified by allegations of dumping, as well as claims that Russia was redirecting gas exports affected by sanctions into fertilizer production to sustain export revenues.
The Persian Gulf is not only a source of oil supplies but also of natural gas. In addition, gas-producing countries in the region have invested in nitrogen fertilizer production. Shipments from the region pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively become blocked. Only a small number of vessels are currently passing through it, whereas before the conflict daily traffic numbered in the hundreds.
It should be noted that on Monday EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers, had already expressed concern about the impact of the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz on fertilizer supplies and, consequently, on food security.