UN Warns Iran War Could Push Millions More Into Food Insecurity

The ongoing conflict involving Iran and rising global energy prices could worsen food insecurity in many countries around the world, the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has warned, according to The Times of India.

The agency estimates that if the conflict continues for an extended period, an additional 2.5 million people in Somalia, 2.3 million in Afghanistan, and 1.3 million in Sri Lanka could face food shortages and hunger.

WFP Acting Executive Director Carl Skau said there is a direct link between fuel prices and food costs. As oil prices rise, food prices tend to increase as well, placing the greatest burden on people in low-income and vulnerable countries.

He noted that more than 318 million people worldwide are already experiencing food insecurity. Ongoing conflict and high inflation could further aggravate the global hunger crisis.