Fertiliser Costs Jump 11%, Raising Concerns Over Rising Food Prices

Story: written by springnewsng March 12,2026
The price of fertiliser has climbed by about 11 percent, triggering fresh concerns that higher farming costs could intensify food inflation and further strain household budgets.
Agricultural experts say the increase in fertiliser prices is already affecting farmers across the country, many of whom depend heavily on the input to maintain crop yields during planting seasons. With fertiliser accounting for a significant portion of production costs, the latest price rise is expected to push up the cost of food production in the coming months.
Analysts warn that the development could worsen food inflation if farmers pass the higher input costs on to consumers. Food items such as grains, vegetables, and other staple crops may become more expensive as producers attempt to recover rising operational expenses.
According to industry stakeholders, the increase is driven by a combination of factors including higher global commodity prices, currency pressures, and increased logistics and transportation costs.
The fertiliser market has also been influenced by global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting the movement of key raw materials used in fertiliser production. Countries heavily reliant on imports of fertiliser components have been particularly vulnerable to price volatility.
Experts say the situation is particularly concerning for developing economies where agriculture plays a crucial role in food security and employment. Rising fertiliser costs may discourage some farmers from applying adequate quantities, potentially reducing crop yields and overall agricultural output.
Agricultural economists caution that reduced fertiliser usage could lead to lower productivity in the next harvest cycle, tightening food supply and placing additional pressure on food prices.
In Nigeria, the fertiliser sector has been supported by programmes such as the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, which was introduced to boost local fertiliser production and make the product more accessible to farmers.
However, farmers’ associations say that despite these interventions, the cost of fertiliser remains a major challenge, especially for smallholder farmers who make up the majority of the country’s agricultural workforce.
Stakeholders have therefore urged the government to strengthen support for farmers through subsidies, improved supply chains, and policies that encourage local production of fertiliser and other agricultural inputs.
Without adequate measures, experts warn that rising fertiliser prices could ultimately translate into higher food costs, worsening inflation and affecting food security for millions of households.