War-Driven Disruptions in Iran Raise Global Hunger Risks
According to reports, WFP Acting Executive Director Carl Skau warned that the wider economic and logistical consequences of the war are already affecting vulnerable populations worldwide, particularly through rising costs and disrupted supply chains.
He said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sharply increased fuel prices, which has driven up operational costs for humanitarian agencies and pushed global food prices higher. The disruption has also impacted fertilizer exports from the Gulf region, affecting agricultural output in countries such as Sudan.
These pressures are occurring at a time when the WFP is facing significant financial constraints. “In many places, we’re already taking from the hungry to give to the starving,” Skau said.
The agency, which depends largely on voluntary government funding, has seen a steep drop in contributions, including from its biggest donor, the United States. According to reports, US funding for 2026 is estimated at around $731 million, compared with more than $4 billion in 2024.
Skau also noted that even modest increases in food prices can have severe consequences in low-income countries. “when the price of food goes up 20-30%, well, they eat 20-30% less.”
The WFP had previously warned that up to 45 million additional people could face acute hunger if oil prices remain above $100 per barrel. Skau said the effects are already visible in countries including Sri Lanka, Somalia, and Afghanistan, adding that recovery would take time even if shipping routes were reopened immediately.
“It’s going to take time to recover,” he said. “We hope this conflict goes away, and that the strait opens tomorrow. But I think it’s clear that we need rich countries to step up and try to mitigate the hit on the most vulnerable from this crisis.”
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