A widening Middle East crisis is pushing up global food, fuel, and transport costs, with the World Food Programme (WFP) warning that millions more people could fall into hunger if disruptions continue.
In a statement obtained from its website on Friday, across Africa and Asia, households are already feeling the impact of rising prices linked to strained supply chains, higher shipping costs, and delays in the movement of essential goods such as food, fertilizer, fuel, and medicines.
In Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, market trader Mummy Christiana said soaring prices have made daily survival increasingly difficult. “It’s affecting me a lot,” she said. “With my 5,000 naira (about US$3.70), I can hardly buy anything.”
In Somalia, residents say the cost of transport and food continues to climb. Mogadishu-based Aweys noted that prices are rising almost daily, placing further pressure on already struggling households.
The impact is also being felt in parts of Asia, including Myanmar, where staple foods such as rice have become more expensive. The situation is especially difficult in remote and conflict-affected regions still recovering from the 2025 earthquake.
According to the WFP, nearly two months into the crisis, global supply chains are under increasing strain, forcing longer shipping routes and higher logistics costs, which are being passed on to consumers.
“The impact is clear. When supply chains are disrupted, it’s felt when people cash out at the supermarket. Delays and higher transport costs push up food prices, and families who spend 50 to 70 percent of their income on food are the first to go without,” WFP Director of Supply Chain Corinne Fleischer said.
The agency estimates that up to 45 million additional people could be pushed into hunger if the crisis continues, bringing the global total to about 363 million — one of the highest levels on record. It says nearly two-thirds of those at risk are in Africa and Asia.
WFP also warned that humanitarian operations are becoming more expensive, reducing the reach of food assistance at a time when needs are increasing.
“Keeping humanitarian supply chains moving is not optional,” Fleischer added. “They are literal lifelines for millions of people already on the brink of hunger.”
The crisis is also affecting agriculture and trade. In East Africa, disruptions are threatening fertilizer supplies and livestock exports, while in parts of Asia, smallholder farmers are reportedly cutting back on planting due to rising costs.
In Myanmar, fuel shortages and rising diesel prices have led to long queues at petrol stations, while farmers face difficulties accessing fertilizer ahead of planting season.
WFP says it is adjusting its operations in several countries by sourcing food locally, extending distribution cycles, and increasing cash-based assistance where possible. However, it warned that without additional funding, its ability to respond to rising needs could be limited.
The agency said the overall trend shows that global price shocks are hitting the poorest hardest, with millions of families already spending most of their income on food, now pushed closer to acute food insecurity.