Fuel, Freight, Fertiliser: The Iran War’s Supply Chain Cost

Send me a messageWhat happens when a war hits not just oil, but fertiliser, LNG, jet fuel, shipping, and food? This isn’t just geopolitics. It’s a live stress test for global supply chains.In this first bonus episode of Resilient Supply Chain+, I break down how the US and Israel’s war on Iran is rippling through global trade, energy markets, inflation, and food systems, and why this matters right now for anyone serious about supply chain resilience, sustainability, risk, and visibility. There’s no guest this week. Just me, cutting through the noise and focusing on the second-order effects business leaders and policymakers can’t afford to miss.You’ll hear how disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is affecting far more than oil, from LNG and jet fuel to fertiliser, sulphur, and industrial inputs that sit underneath manufacturing and food production. I break down why this war is already becoming an inflation story, why shipping firms are sacrificing payload just to carry more fuel, and why fertiliser shocks may turn out to be quieter, slower, and even more destabilising than oil shocks.You might be surprised to learn that the biggest strategic lesson here isn’t just about diversifying suppliers. It’s about reshoring energy. I explain why nearshoring manufacturing is only half the job if your operating model still depends on imported fossil fuels moving through militarised choke points, and why more local renewables, storage, electrification, and flexibility are increasingly resilience tools as much as sustainability tools. I also share a practical personal example from Spain’s blackout that brings that point home.🎙️ Listen now to hear how this war is reshaping the future of resilient, sustainable supply chains.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on supply chain resilience, AI, and sustainability?I help leaders understand the forces reshaping global supply chains, from geopolitical disruption and climate risk to AI and real-time decision-making. Download my Speaker Pack: https://tinyurl.com/spkrpckFinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.