WFP Reports 20 Percent Rise in Afghan Food Prices Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions

The World Food Programme has reported a 20 percent increase in food prices across Afghanistan following disruptions to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. John Ayliff, the WFP’s head of office in Afghanistan, stated that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has severely impacted regional trade and driven up global oil prices.

According to Ayliff, the closure of the strategic waterway has forced humanitarian organizations to reroute essential supplies, including fortified biscuits, overland through seven neighboring countries. This logistical shift has extended delivery times by approximately three weeks and tripled the cost of transporting humanitarian aid into the country. The agency noted that the rerouting of shipments has added significant logistical complexity, as aid convoys must now navigate multiple border crossings instead of utilizing direct maritime transit.

The WFP warned that these supply chain disruptions could have severe consequences for vulnerable populations, particularly children, who may face increased risks of hunger and malnutrition. Officials stressed that without stabilized shipping corridors, the financial burden on humanitarian operations will continue to rise, directly affecting the availability of essential nutrition programs.

International shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been halted amid the escalating regional tensions. The resulting trade bottlenecks have triggered broader economic ripple effects, with Afghanistan’s import-dependent food market experiencing immediate price adjustments. Humanitarian agencies are currently assessing alternative supply routes to mitigate further delays and stabilize food access in affected communities.