Stories

Mon, 23 Mar 2026

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 Why do the West's farmers pay the price for war in Iran?

Rising oil prices caused by the war in the Gulf has caused an "overnight shock" to west country farmers.

* Farmers in Wiltshire are paying "crippling increases" in fuel and fertiliser costs due to the global price of oil rising.
* Farm diesel prices have doubled overnight, with red diesel (used by farmers) now costing up to £1.30 per litre plus VAT.
* Fertiliser prices have also increased significantly, with a tonne of fertiliser now costing around £600 compared to £350 in September.
* The war in the Middle East has disrupted oil and gas facilities and closed key shipping channels, including the Strait of Hormuz, which handles one-fifth of global oil supplies.
* The price hikes are expected to filter through to higher prices for food produced by farmers, who are "price takers" and not able to set their own prices.
* Some costs may be absorbed by farmers and businesses within the supply chain, but "some costs will inevitably be passed on to the consumer", according to NFU President Tom Bradshaw.