1331 GMT - European chemicals companies will benefit from a disruption to the supply of nitrogen caused by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Jefferies analysts write. A critical share of nitrogen can't be exported at a time the commodity is especially needed for fertilizers, the analysts say. The shock isn't properly reflected in chemical companies' valuations, they add. The dynamic benefits Yara--a producer of nitrogen-containing ammonia--as the nitrogen shortage allows it to expand margins. Moves in potash--a substitute to nitrogen-based fertilizers--are less significant, though K+S earnings will still see a boost, the analysts say. Shares in Yara have risen 13% over the past five trading days, while KS has gained 16% over the same period. (josephmichael.stonor@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 18, 2026 09:31 ET (13:31 GMT)

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