World Food Programme Warns Maritime Chokepoint Disruptions Threaten Millions with Hunger Amid Rising Global Prices

Disruptions at three critical maritime chokepoints are driving up global food and energy prices, potentially pushing millions of additional people into hunger, according to a warning from the acting head of the World Food Programme. Carl Skau made these remarks as world leaders convene in New York for the UN General Assembly to discuss priorities for the coming year.

Speaking to The National, Mr Skau identified the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab Al Mandeb strait, and the Black Sea as areas of intense concern, noting that conflict and escalating tensions are severely disrupting maritime trade and increasing global costs. “We see three concerning chokepoints right now that are driving up food prices across the world,” he stated, emphasizing that these disruptions are inflating the prices of both energy and food.

Mr Skau explained that vulnerable nations, where households already allocate a significant portion of their income to food, are suffering the most severe impacts. He warned that this global price shock means “we will see millions more going hungry.” Highlighting immediate consequences, he noted, “In Yemen right now, with tens of thousands of newly displaced – they are the most immediately impacted from this escalation. But it's also impacting millions across the world due to this global shock that it's causing.”

This escalation in Yemen coincides with worsening hunger nationwide. The World Food Programme reports that more than 18 million people, representing about half the population, face acute food insecurity. Additionally, approximately 2.2 million children under five are acutely malnourished, including half a million suffering from severe acute malnutrition, the most life-threatening form. Because Yemen imports roughly 90 per cent of its food, families remain highly vulnerable to trade interruptions, supply chain failures, and market shocks.

Recent fighting, which began this month, has enabled Houthi rebels to expand their control along Yemen’s western coast, granting the group strategic command over the Bab Al Mandeb, which connects the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Last month, the Houthis declared an “embargo” on Saudi Arabia—which supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government—and have subsequently launched attacks targeting Saudi ships, oil sites, cities, and military bases.

Urging decisive action, Mr Skau called on member states to intensify diplomatic efforts to resolve current conflicts, prevent new ones, and ensure respect for international humanitarian law. He also stressed the critical need for humanitarian access to vulnerable populations and the protection and safety of frontline aid workers.