27/03/2026
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27/03/2026
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ROME (AP), Mar 27: The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that global food insecurity is set to worsen sharply in 2026, with an estimated 318 million people expected to face crisis levels of hunger across 68 countries, according to its latest assessment covering data from 53 nations.
The agency said the projection reflects a significant rise in global vulnerability, driven largely by the surge in energy prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has pushed up food and transport costs worldwide.
WFP noted that low-income countries are being hit hardest, as per capita incomes in poorer nations remain below pre-pandemic levels while government finances tighten under inflationary pressure.
Food prices have risen by around 15% in a dozen countries, with extreme increases recorded in Venezuela, Iran, and Sudan, where food inflation has surged by more than half, the agency said.
Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that continued disruption in energy markets and supply chains could further deepen global hunger and strain emergency food assistance systems.
