The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, April 30, edition that executives at Canadian National Railway say higher demand for energy, potash and other commodities generated by the war in the Middle East work to the company's advantage, even as rising fuel costs weigh on profits. The Globe's Christopher Reynolds writes that CN saw a 4-per-cent year-over-year increase in petroleum and chemical revenue last quarter. Grain and fertilizer revenue rose 13 per cent, driven by a bumper crop and high prices for Persian Gulf fertilizers due to the Iran war. CN chief commercial officer Janet Drysdale said liquefied natural gas shipments have ramped up at the port in Prince Rupert as global supply shrinks amid the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Volumes for crude oil and refined products were up as well. Ms. Drysdale said: "We are seeing some near-term benefits across a number of segments related to the higher prices. As nitrogen-based fertilizers have increased because of the war, we see a little bit more farmers switching to more potash applications." She also stressed that the global ramifications of the conflict remain uncertain. Other events set off by President Donald Trump continue to chip away at CN's income statement.