Sulfur prices have skyrocketed due to global supply disruptions from the Iran war and Russia sanctions, forcing fertilizer producers to cut production and threatening to raise food prices by 4.8% globally by 2027. Meanwhile, an oil crisis looms as Saudi Arabia's pipeline remains shut after drone attacks, with U.S. strategic reserves at their lowest since 1982 and refineries operating at maximum capacity.
Researchers calculated that seabirds produce $470 million worth of guano annually—$19.4 million from commercial fertilizer sales and $454.4 million from nutrient cycling that supports marine ecosystems. The study aims to help conservation efforts by quantifying seabirds' economic value, though scientists note the figure underestimates their true contributions.
Solar Industries, an Indian explosives manufacturer, made an unsolicited all-cash bid of R134.50 per share (R21.8 billion total) for South African fertilizer and explosives company Omnia, representing about 6% of Solar's market cap. The acquisition is strategically motivated by Solar's desire to expand internationally, leverage Omnia's fertilizer expertise, and consolidate its detonator manufacturing capabilities, with the deal expected to result in Omnia's delisting from the JSE in Q2 2027.