The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that Nutrien executives are worried that high prices may reduce demand for fertilizer due to supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Globe's Kate Helmore writes that farmers' ability to afford fertilizer has become a concern since the Middle East war, with fertilizer prices nearing record highs. Meanwhile, major crop prices like corn, soybean and canola fell last year due to trade disputes among China, the U.S. and Canada. Nutrien is closely watching how the closing of the strait has "disrupted trade flows and volumes," chief executive officer Ken Seitz said on Thursday, the morning after the company announced its second quarter results, citing demand destruction in certain products. After a strong first quarter, Nutrien fell short of analysts' estimates for second quarter profits, as the Mideast conflict continues to disrupt fertilizer supply chains, driving up production costs and prices. Mr. Seitz said there was "no clear conclusion" in sight to resolve the volatile geopolitical situation affecting both Nutrien and agricultural productivity worldwide. The World Bank is forecasting the fertilizer price index to climb by more than 30 per cent over the year.