World Bank Warns Middle East Conflict Could Deepen Global Hunger Crisis

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Washington DC: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could sharply increase global hunger and economic strain, according to the World Bank’s chief economist Indermit Gill.

In an interview with AFP, Gill warned that rising tensions and disruptions in key trade routes could push millions more into food insecurity. He said around 300 million people already face acute hunger, and that number could rise by about 20% as the economic impact spreads.

A key concern is the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route. This has driven up energy and fertiliser costs, which in turn affect global food production and prices.

Gill warned that higher fertiliser prices could push some countries to restrict food exports and stockpile supplies, further increasing global food costs. He said the impact is currently most visible in Asia but is expected to spread to Africa as the crisis continues.

He also cautioned that rising food and energy prices could hit low-income populations hardest, as they spend a larger share of their income on basic needs.

In a worst-case scenario, global inflation could rise significantly while economic growth slows sharply, creating what he called a “double whammy” for poorer countries and their debt sustainability.

Gill added that while current forecasts may appear stable, they could mask deeper vulnerabilities if major economies like the U.S., China, and India are excluded from global averages.