The World Food Programme has warned that the widening crisis in the Middle East is driving up global food, fuel, and transport costs, raising fears that millions more people could face hunger if disruptions continue.

In a statement released on Friday, the agency said households across Africa and Asia are already experiencing the effects of higher prices caused by strained supply chains, increased shipping costs, and delays in the movement of food, fertilizer, fuel, and medicines.

In Abuja, a market trader identified as Mummy Christiana said the rising cost of living has made daily survival more difficult.

“It’s affecting me a lot. With my 5,000 naira, I can hardly buy anything,” she said.

In Somalia, residents also reported rising transport and food costs, while in Myanmar, staple foods such as rice have become more expensive, worsening conditions in remote and conflict-affected communities still recovering from the 2025 earthquake.

According to the WFP, nearly two months into the crisis, global supply chains remain under pressure, forcing longer shipping routes and increasing logistics costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers.

“The impact is clear. When supply chains are disrupted, it’s felt when people cash out at the supermarket. Delays and higher transport costs push up food prices, and families who spend 50 to 70 percent of their income on food are the first to go without,” said WFP Director of Supply Chain, Corinne Fleischer.

The agency estimated that up to 45 million additional people could be pushed into hunger if the crisis persists, bringing the global total to about 363 million people, one of the highest levels ever recorded.

It said nearly two-thirds of those at risk are in Africa and Asia.

The WFP also warned that humanitarian operations are becoming more expensive, limiting the reach of food assistance just as needs continue to rise.

“Keeping humanitarian supply chains moving is not optional. They are literal lifelines for millions of people already on the brink of hunger,” Fleischer added.

The crisis is also affecting agriculture and trade. In East Africa, fertilizer supplies and livestock exports are under threat, while farmers in parts of Asia are reportedly reducing planting because of rising production costs.

In Myanmar, fuel shortages and rising diesel prices have led to long queues at filling stations, while farmers struggle to access fertilizer ahead of the planting season.

The WFP said it is adapting operations in several countries by sourcing food locally, extending distribution cycles, and increasing cash-based support where possible.

However, the agency warned that without additional funding, its ability to respond to growing humanitarian needs may be severely constrained.

It added that the current trend shows global price shocks are hitting the poorest households hardest, pushing millions closer to acute food insecurity.