Middle East crisis deepens hunger in Myanmar; EU responds with EUR 8 million for urgent relief | World Food Programme

Country: Myanmar Source: World Food Programme YANGON, Myanmar – A sharp rise in food and fuel prices, driven by the Middle East crisis, is placing new pressure on families across Myanmar as millions struggle to meet their basic needs. In response, the European Union (EU) has stepped forward with a timely EUR 8 million contribution to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to address deepening hunger across the country. Since late February, fuel prices have tripled nationwide and the cost of a basic food basket comprising rice, oil, pulses and salt has risen sharply across several regions, with the steepest increases seen in conflict-affected areas. On average, staple food prices are up 18 percent nationwide, with Magway Region recording the highest increase at 38 percent, followed by Kayin and Rakhine states at 32 and 31 percent respectively. The convergence of the ongoing armed conflict and global fuel shortages is compounding hardship for communities. One in four people in Myanmar – 12.4 million – are acutely food insecure, while 3.7 million remain displaced by ongoing conflict. For families with limited income, savings or access to livelihoods, these price increases are pushing even basic meals further out of reach. “As global fuel prices surge, basic necessities in Myanmar have become more and more inaccessible to millions of people who have already been struggling to get by,” said Jessica Chaix, who oversees EU humanitarian programmes in Myanmar. “The EU remains committed to providing a vital lifeline of food and nutrition assistance, ensuring that life-saving assistance continues to reach those most in need in this difficult time.” The crisis also threatens the upcoming monsoon planting season. Myanmar farmers are cutting back on fertilizer due to high prices and limited supplies. A 50 percent drop in fertili...

Original source: Relief Web