Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The World Food Programme (WFP) warns that\nthe escalation of conflict in the Middle East could push the number of\npeople worldwide experiencing acute hunger to a record level in 2026. If\nthe conflict continues and disrupts the global economy, its impacts are\nexpected to extend far beyond the conflict zone.<\/p>\n
The WFP\u2019s latest analysis estimates that nearly an additional 45\nmillion people could fall into acute food insecurity or worse if the\nconflict does not end by mid-year and oil prices remain above US$100 per\nbarrel. This figure would add to the 318 million people currently facing\nfood insecurity around the world.<\/p>\n
For comparison, when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in 2022 and\ntriggered a global cost-of-living crisis, the number of people\nexperiencing hunger reached a record 349 million. The WFP assesses that\nthe world now risks facing a similar situation in the coming months if\nthe Middle East conflict continues to escalate.<\/p>\n
The rapid surge in food prices followed by a slow decline in 2022\ncaused vulnerable families to lose access to staple foods in a short\ntime. A similar situation is feared to recur, especially since energy\nand food markets are closely interconnected.<\/p>\n
Although the current conflict is occurring in a global energy hub\nrather than a food basket, its impact is considered equivalent due to\nthe strong linkage between energy prices and food prices. Rising energy\ncosts can drive food inflation and worsen access to basic needs for\ncommunities.<\/p>\n
The WFP warns that many families who can currently meet their daily\nfood needs could soon lose that ability. If the conflict persists, the\nglobal shock will grow larger, and the most vulnerable groups will be\nthe most affected.<\/p>\n
WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau emphasised that without an\nadequate humanitarian response, this situation could turn into a\ndisaster for millions of people. He stated that families already\nstruggling to meet food needs will face the heaviest pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf this conflict continues, its impact will shake the entire world,\nand families who cannot even afford the next meal will be the most\naffected. Without an adequately funded humanitarian response, this\nsituation could become a disaster for millions of people already on the\nbrink of crisis,\u201d Skau said, quoted from the WFP\u2019s official website on\nSaturday (21\/3\/2026).<\/p>\n
Disruptions to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz and increased\nrisks in the Red Sea have driven up energy, fuel, and fertiliser costs.\nThis condition extends the hunger impact beyond the Middle East through\na domino effect on global supply chains.<\/p>\n
According to the WFP\u2019s analysis, countries in sub-Saharan Africa and\nAsia are the most vulnerable regions due to their high dependence on\nfood and energy imports. The number of people at food insecurity risk is\nestimated to increase by 21% in West and Central Africa, 17% in East and\nSouthern Africa, and 24% in Asia.<\/p>\n
In Sudan, around 80% of wheat needs still rely on imports, so price\nincreases will directly pressure the population. Meanwhile, in Somalia,\nprices of key commodities have surged by at least 20% since the conflict\nbegan, worsening the situation amid severe drought.<\/p>\n
This crisis is also occurring as WFP funding faces significant\nshortfalls, forcing the organisation to prioritise aid strictly in\nvarious regions. Without additional resources, the rise in the number of\npeople at food insecurity risk could trigger a humanitarian disaster in\ncountries already on the verge of famine.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, the conflict also disrupts global supply chains\ndue to obstacles in major maritime routes. Risks in the Strait of Hormuz\nand Red Sea create rare dual congestion in the world\u2019s two most vital\ntrade corridors.<\/p>\n
These disruptions trigger surges in shipping costs and potential new\nglobal inflation, including shortages of fertiliser crucial for the 2026\nplanting season. This is particularly concerning for developing\ncountries that rely on imports.<\/p>\n
According to another report, the WFP is currently providing aid to\ntens of thousands of families affected by the conflict in the Middle\nEast. The organisation is also deploying a major emergency response to\nkeep aid distribution running amid increasingly complex conditions.<\/p>\n
In Lebanon, food aid and emergency supplies have been distributed to\ndisplaced families just hours after the first airstrikes occurred. Cash\nassistance programmes are also being implemented to help meet urgent\nneeds while reducing pressure on shelters.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in Syria and Iran, the WFP continues to expand aid to\nrefugees and vulnerable groups affected by the conflict. However, the\norganisation emphasises that sustained support is urgently needed to\nensure food aid reaches those who need it most amid the ongoing\ncrisis.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/middle-east-war-brings-new-catastrophe-45-million-people-at-risk-of-starvation-1774101078", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }