CIPS polling reveals growing uncertainty across global supply chains amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) has released new polling data highlighting significant uncertainty among global supply chain professionals amid escalating tensions in the Middle East that are disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy and shipping corridor.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic point for global energy and trade flows, accounting for a substantial share of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Recent surprise strikes on Iran have effectively closed this vital shipping route, triggering volatility in energy markets and halting shipments through one of the world’s most important trade arteries.

This disruption has prompted urgent attention from procurement professionals, with over 600 senior supply chain experts participating in a CIPS webinar titled “Risk, Resilience & Response: An Expert Panel on the Middle East Situation” held on 9th March 2026.

Polling highlights and the use of AI in crisis management

When asked whether their organisations had contingency plans to mitigate the impact of a Strait of Hormuz closure, only 11% confirmed they had such plans in place. In contrast, 43% said they had no plans, and 45% felt it was too early to tell. 9 out of 10 organisations said that they do not have a migration plan for a disruption like this.

Furthermore, the polling states that most businesses remain in a monitoring phase rather than actively restructuring supply chains. 56% reported no changes to their supply chains so far, while 26% had made alterations, and 18% were uncertain.

Looking ahead, 59% of respondents felt it was too early to assess whether the crisis would permanently reshape supply chains. Only 21% believed lasting changes were likely, while 20% did not anticipate permanent effects.

The poll showed that few organisations use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help with their responses. 62% of participants said they do not use AI for mitigation strategies, and only 27% use AI for analysis or planning.

This suggests many organisations continue to rely on traditional decision-making processes during geopolitical disruptions.

What are the broader implications?

Ben Farrell, CEO of CIPS, said, “Procurement and supply professionals are on the front line of global trade disruption. What this situation demonstrates is that supply chains are not linear pipelines but complex global supply webs, where disruption in one critical node such as the Strait of Hormuz can ripple rapidly across industries, markets and continents.”

“This is not just about shipping routes; it is about energy security, global manufacturing and the cost of moving goods around the world. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important energy corridors on the planet, and instability there immediately feeds into oil and LNG markets. When energy prices rise, transport costs increase, production costs increase, and those pressures eventually work their way through to businesses and consumers globally.”

The crisis affects more than just shipping routes. It also impacts energy security, manufacturing, and the cost of moving goods. 

Rising energy prices raise transportation and production costs, which ultimately affect businesses and consumers around the world.

“If vessels are forced to reroute around longer shipping lanes or face sustained delays, it increases freight costs, insurance premiums and transit times across global trade networks. Over time, that could translate into higher prices for everything from manufactured goods to food and consumer products. The situation remains fluid, but procurement professionals are closely monitoring developments and activating contingency strategies where possible. Supply chains are more resilient than they were five years ago, but prolonged disruption in such a critical corridor will inevitably create cost pressures and operational challenges across the global economy,” he added.

While the situation remains fluid, procurement professionals are closely monitoring developments and activating contingency strategies where possible.