36 countries rely on Russia, Ukraine for more than half of their wheat imports
Price had already been rising when the crisis exacerbated the situation, the secretary-general Antonio Guterres said
A total of 1.7 billion people are suffering from disruptions in food supply, energy and financial areas, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday.
“As many as 1.7 billion people — one-third of whom are already living in poverty — are now highly exposed to disruptions in food, energy and finance systems that are triggering increases in poverty and hunger,” he said at a news conference. “Thirty-six countries count on Russia and Ukraine for more than half of their wheat imports — including some of the poorest and most vulnerable countries of the world.”
Price had already been rising when the crisis exacerbated the situation, the secretary-general said.
Oil prices climbed by more than 60% over the past year, natural gas prices rose by 50% in the few past months, while fertilizer prices more than doubled, he said.
“Inflation is rising, purchasing power is eroding, gross prospects are shrinking and development is being stalled,” Guterres said.
