The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran is putting millions of people at risk of hunger.
In an analysis, the WFP said the continuation of the conflict’s effect on oil prices has “profound implications” for global food security.
It asserted that estimations made in March, warning that 45 million people would fall into acute food shortages if oil prices remained at $100 a barrel by the end of June, were beginning to materialize.
The agency affirms that “The findings indicate that the crisis is generating significant spillovers, particularly through fuel, food price and income shocks and trade disruptions. As these factors interact with preexisting vulnerabilities they quickly translate into visible impacts on food security and livelihoods,” and warned that “If the conflict continues for six months, more than 9 million people could lose assistance, driven by a combination of higher operational costs and rising local food prices.”
The Iran war, which broke out on February 28, has rattled oil markets as the continued near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has stopped oil tankers from completing their journeys.
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