The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that rising food and fuel prices linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East could intensify hunger among vulnerable populations both within the region and globally. The conflict has already had severe humanitarian consequences, including civilian casualties, large-scale displacement, and damage to essential infrastructure, while disruptions to supply chains and higher costs are weakening the purchasing power of households already facing economic hardship. Countries such as Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza are experiencing worsening food security conditions, with price increases and economic pressures making it harder for families to access affordable food.
Beyond the region, the conflict is also creating major global supply chain disruptions affecting shipping, energy, and fertilizer markets, which could push global food prices higher and reduce agricultural productivity. Rising oil prices are further increasing transportation and operational costs for humanitarian organizations, potentially affecting the delivery of life-saving assistance. To reduce the impact of these disruptions, WFP and its partners are adjusting supply routes, working with the shipping industry to limit additional costs, and relying more on alternative transit corridors and overland transport options.
At the same time, WFP has expanded emergency operations across several countries to address growing humanitarian needs. The agency has rapidly delivered food assistance to displaced families in Lebanon, continues supporting Afghan refugees in Iran, and is monitoring displacement flows into Syria. In Gaza, limited border access continues to constrain food deliveries, raising concerns that rations may have to be significantly reduced without sustained humanitarian access. WFP is also preparing for potential impacts in other regions, including Afghanistan, while maintaining global emergency preparedness through its humanitarian supply network to ensure critical relief supplies can reach affected populations despite ongoing disruptions.
