UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced serious concerns regarding ongoing disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, especially near the Bab Al Mandab Strait. He highlighted that these attacks are significantly obstructing the global flow of energy supplies, fertilizers, and other vital goods, which is detrimental to international trade.
During a press briefing at the UN headquarters, Guterres emphasized that these crises are choking critical trade routes and exerting immense pressure on the global food system. This situation is leading to increased prices, escalating hunger, declining agricultural yields, and heightened suffering among the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Guterres firmly stated that strategic maritime routes should never be used as instruments of coercion and that global food supplies should not become collateral damage in conflicts. He stressed the importance of maintaining open and secure trade channels to ensure the well-being of people worldwide.
Additionally, he pointed out that oil prices are currently about 33 percent higher than before the onset of the Middle East conflict, while global container shipping costs have surged by 84 percent compared to last year. The costs of fertilizers and other essential inputs have also seen a sharp rise, exacerbating the crisis.
