The United Nations warned last month that the U.S. campaign is having an “increasingly severe impact” on hospitals, public sanitation, water delivery and food distribution.

Prolonged shortages could force production cuts and ripple through industries from electronics to automobiles.

Iran clarified this week that ships from “hostile” nations are barred from navigating the strait, but overall maritime traffic remains all but halted, tracking shows. 

The news comes on top of a seemingly endless parade of woes for the government-owned, quasi-independent, delivery service.

The U.K. Ministry of Defence has already sent military planners to U.S. Central Command to help find ways to get tankers through the strait.

The process points to Iran’s increasing efforts to assert control over the vital maritime channel.

It’s yet another example of the country claiming sovereignty over the waterway, with the war now in a fourth week.

Produce grown in glasshouses heated with natural gas, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, are likely to be quickly impacted by rising energy prices.

Analysts say Tehran is trying to impose a traffic control system through the strait, permitting safe passage for friendly vessels while leaving others fearful of attack.

The California Fuels & Convenience Alliance is among many industry bodies and businesses that would like to see the Jones Act restrictions relaxed or ended permanently.