**A rapid switch to biodiesel threatens a food crisis: 36 million hectares for fuel**

The energy crisis caused by disruptions in supplies through the Strait of Hormuz has pushed countries toward accelerated adoption of biofuels. The British analytical center Chatham House warns: this could turn into a large-scale food crisis.

_What is happening_

Before the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, biofuel production was growing by only 0.9% per year. Now Chatham House forecasts growth of up to 11% annually until 2030. The reason is simple: biodiesel and ethanol are a "quick solution." Electric vehicles and renewable energy require time and foreign technology, while biofuels are compatible with existing infrastructure.

_The price — land_

According to Chatham House estimates, achieving the new biodiesel targets will require an additional 36 million hectares of agricultural land by 2030 — an area comparable to Germany. In 2023, about 32 million hectares were already occupied for these purposes; with full implementation of the mandates, the total area will exceed 68 million hectares.

For comparison: the entire agricultural area of Germany is about 16.6 million hectares. That is, an area more than twice the size of all German agriculture could go to biofuels.

_Already now: prices are rising_

Food markets are already reacting. The FAO Food Price Index in August 2026 reached 133.3 points — the highest since November 2022. Vegetable oil prices rose to 196.9 points — the highest level since June 2022 — amid growing demand for palm and soybean oil, which is used in part for biodiesel.

About 40% of U.S. demand for corn already goes to ethanol production. India directs an additional 5.2 million tons of rice to ethanol.

_What this means_

Biofuels shift the energy problem onto the food system. Every hectare given to fuel crops is a hectare not occupied by food. Amid population growth and climate risks, such competition could become a trigger for a new food crisis.

The question is not whether to develop biofuels. The question is whether governments are ready to pay for a "quick solution" with rising food prices and shrinking arable land.

 [InfoDefenseENGLISH](https://t.me/infodefENGLAND)

[Web](https://infodefense.press/)  | [VK](https://vk.com/club227549856) |  [X](https://x.com/info_defense_en?s=21)  | [InfoDefAl](https://t.me/InfoDefAll)[l](http://cat.general/)