UN Warns Middle East War Is Causing Worst Aid Supply Chain Disruption Since COVID

Rising delays from detours raise costs to levels that endanger relief operations.

Overview

WFP, which briefed reporters Tuesday, called the shock to aid logistics the most severe since COVID and the early Ukraine war.
The agency said 70,000 metric tonnes of food are now affected, with half on bulk vessels and half in containers stalled or in transit due to ripple effects tied to the Strait of Hormuz.
With many carriers avoiding the Suez and Red Sea, ships are detouring around the Cape of Good Hope, adding about 25 to 30 days to voyages and lifting rates by 15 to 25 percent.
WFP is trying to blunt the hit by securing priority space and winning waivers on new surcharges of US$2,000 to US$4,000 per container, saving about US$1.5 million so far.
One example shows the strain: food for Afghanistan was diverted to Dubai and will travel overland through several countries, adding about €1,000 per tonne and three weeks for a nation where 17 million people face food insecurity.