On average, over 11 million tonnes of chickpeas are produced across the globe per year. In sad news for legume lovers, recent data from the Global Pulse Confederation has found that worldwide supplies of chickpeas could dip by as much as 20% this year.

Experts chalk it up to a few different factors, the primary two being drastic changes in weather across the world, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Shree Sheela International’s Navneet Singh Chhabra, sanctions after the invasion of Ukraine have interrupted shipments from Russia, which normally exports about a quarter of global chickpea trade.

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On this side of the globe, Aussie farmers have had to contend with flooded fields, and sellers struggled to secure container space on ocean freights. Australia mainly exports chickpeas to India, Bangladesh and Pakistan – who will be hit hardest by these shortages.

“Some farmers may replant,” Ole Houe from Sydney agriculture brokerage IKON Commodities, told Reuters. “Parts of the planted area [are] still under water.”

The unpredictable weather has also impacted the United States and Mexico, with both harvesting fewer crops this year.

Hopefully there’s no frantic hummus hurl in the dip aisle the next time you visit your local Woolies, but we’re not prepared to take tahini chances.

Related story: Have a few chickpea cans in your pantry? Make your favourite dip at home with these 22 hummus recipes.