Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, is calling on BRICS members to create joint food reserves to counter the growing threat to global food security from the Strait of Hormuz closure. The proposal marks a significant escalation of the crisis beyond oil.
Why it matters
About half the world’s food is grown using fertiliser, and one-third of global fertiliser trade passed through the Strait of Hormuz before the blockade. The disruption threatens crop yields on every continent, including in Africa, where nations are heavily dependent on imported fertilisers.
The warning
Alexander Maslennikov, deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said cooperation with BRICS and Eurasian Economic Union members on food reserves is “highly important.” According to Russian authorities, if the global fertiliser shortage persists until summer, productivity of major crops could fall by half.
The number of hungry people worldwide could rise to a record 673 million, according to the assessment. The FAO’s chief economist issued a separate warning about severe food security risks from the Hormuz disruption.
South Africa’s exposure
South Africa imports most of its non-phosphate fertilisers. According to IFPRI, African fertiliser use already plunged 25% in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine disrupted supply chains. A second supply shock could push input costs beyond the reach of small-scale farmers across the continent.
As a BRICS founding member, South Africa would participate in any joint reserves programme. The proposal will be on the agenda at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September 2026.
The counterargument
Critics note that Russia benefits from the crisis. As the world’s top wheat exporter, higher grain prices increase Russian revenue. A BRICS-controlled reserve could also deepen dependence on Russian supply lines, a concern raised by Western analysts.
Brazil, another major agricultural exporter in BRICS, has not publicly endorsed the reserves proposal. India, the 2026 BRICS chair, has signalled openness to food security cooperation but has not committed to a specific structure.
What happens next
India’s BRICS chairship theme for 2026 is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Food security is expected to feature prominently at a preparatory meeting of agriculture ministers before the September summit. The outcome will depend on whether member states can agree on funding, location, and governance of the reserves.