A "new wave of global instability is hitting Myanmar at the worst possible moment," a UN food official warned on Friday, as increases in fuel, food, and fertilizer prices due to the ongoing Middle East conflict push vulnerable families closer to hunger one year after a devastating earthquake hit the country.
The World Food Programme's ( WFP ) latest monitoring shows a fragile recovery from the disaster.
In the affected regions of Sagaing and Mandalay, one in six households continue to face moderate to severe food insecurity, whilst half of all families remain only marginally food secure, making them exceptionally vulnerable to even the smallest shock.
"People who survived the earthquake have barely begun to stand again, and now another blow is knocking them back down," said WFP Country Director Michael Dunford.
Middle East conflict increasing prices
The conflict in the Middle East is disrupting transportation and driving fuel shortages across Myanmar.
Rising fuel prices are pushing up the cost of moving food and agricultural goods, placing additional strain on households already struggling to afford essentials.
The crisis is also striking Myanmar's farmers as they prepare for monsoon crops. With fertilizer demand expected to rise over the next three months, fuel shortages and rising input costs are threatening to push production expenses to double last year's levels.
Earthquake and conflict areas hardest hit
These compounding shocks are expected to hit hardest in conflict and earthquake affected areas, such as Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Rakhine, Sagaing and Shan, worsening the food insecurity in a country where 12.4 million people - nearly one quarter of the population - are already facing acute hunger.
Over the past year, WFP reached half a million earthquake survivors with relief and recovery support. However, the organisation has now transitioned from emergency relief to restoring community infrastructure that provides long-term stability.
Funding needs
WFP needs $150 million to assist 1.5 million people across the country this year with life-saving assistance and resilience support.
Without sufficient funding, the agency will be forced to prioritize the most urgent life-saving needs, potentially scaling back recovery efforts that help earthquake survivors rebuild livelihoods and reduce long-term dependence on aid.
"The people of Myanmar have endured shock after shock - conflict, climate disasters, the devastating earthquake, and now a global fuel crisis," Mr. Dunford said.
"We must stand with them now. One year after the earthquake, they cannot afford another fall."
