Energy Crisis Set to Keep Food Inflation Elevated, UN Warns
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Rising energy and fertiliser costs linked to ongoing conflicts and global supply disruptions are expected to continue fuelling food inflation, threatening efforts to make healthy diets affordable worldwide, according to a new United Nations report.
The UN warned that while global hunger has eased slightly in recent years, progress remains fragile, with more than 500 million people still projected to face chronic hunger by 2030. Africa is expected to carry the heaviest burden.
Conflicts including the war in Ukraine and instability affecting energy routes are driving up the cost of fuel, fertiliser and agricultural inputs, creating further pressure across food supply chains. The International Fund for Agricultural Development warned that prolonged shocks could push millions more people into hunger.
The impact is particularly severe for small-scale farmers, who rely heavily on fuel for irrigation, harvesting and transporting produce. Higher costs are ultimately passed on to consumers, adding to inflationary pressures.
The report highlighted that the average global cost of a healthy diet has already increased significantly, with affordability becoming one of the biggest challenges facing food security.
The UN said strengthening agricultural resilience, improving infrastructure and reducing supply chain vulnerabilities will be essential as conflicts and climate-related disruptions continue to reshape global food markets.
