Alexander Dekru

The head of the UN Development Program says the war and a halt to most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted fuel and fertilizer supplies, just as farmers are planting crops.

Alexander Dekru told Reuters that fertilizer shortages are expected to reduce crop yields and increase food security later this year.

D'Cruz said the effects would be felt even if the war stopped immediately.

Disruptions to shipping have already led to higher oil and gas prices, and they're expected to affect prices of thousands of consumer items, from condoms to teddy bears that use petrochemicals.

U.S.

stock markets, however, fueled partly by tech company earnings, on Wednesday hit record highs.

Jaina Raff, NPR News, Amman.