Food prices rise 5% after Strait of Hormuz disruption – World Bank 

Global food prices increased by about five percent within two months following major disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after conflict erupted in the Middle East in late February 2026, according to a World Bank analysis.

The report attributed the spike to heightened instability in one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes, which affected global supply chains and increased transportation and commodity costs. The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for international energy and goods shipments, and any disruption in the corridor typically has ripple effects on global markets.

According to the analysis, the pressure on logistics and energy-linked costs contributed to broader inflationary trends, which were reflected in rising food prices across multiple regions.

The World Bank noted that while the immediate impact was most pronounced in food commodities, the wider effect of the disruption extended to shipping insurance premiums, fuel costs, and supply chain reliability, all of which influence global pricing.

The development adds to growing concerns about the vulnerability of global food systems to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in strategic trade routes.