Iran crisis hampering aid to refugees as supply chain costs soar, UN warns
The UN refugee agency has warned that the ongoing crisis involving Iran is severely disrupting aid deliveries to Sudan and neighboring countries, as shipping costs have more than doubled due to rerouted vessels and heightened insecurity in key Gulf routes. Delays caused by longer transit times around the Cape of Good Hope and increased insurance and fuel costs are compounding the challenges of addressing the world's largest displacement crisis. These logistical and financial pressures come amid significant funding shortfalls for the UNHCR's humanitarian operations.
- ▪Shipping costs for aid from Dubai to Sudan and Chad have more than doubled, rising from $927,000 to $1.87 million.
- ▪Aid shipments previously moving through the Strait of Hormuz are now being rerouted from Europe around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to 25 days to delivery times.
- ▪The UNHCR's $8.5 billion appeal for displaced people is only 23% funded, limiting its ability to absorb increased transport costs.
- ▪Dubai hosts the UNHCR's largest global stockpile of relief items, one of seven worldwide distribution hubs.
- ▪Rising fuel prices and fertilizer shortages are increasing food costs, worsening conditions for displaced populations.
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Iran crisis hampering aid to refugees as supply chain costs soar, UN warnsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxAn injured man from al-Fashir sits on the ground surrounded by his children after their arrival and displaced women stand in line as they wait for their turn to receive aid, at a displacement camp in Al-Dabba, Sudan, November 19, 2025. REUTERS/El Tayeb Siddig/File PhotoPublished May 01, 2026, 07:23 PMUpdated May 01, 2026, 07:34 PMListenGENEVA, May 1 - The cost of sending some aid to Sudan - the world's largest displacement crisis - has more than doubled due to the Iran war, as shipping disruption pushes up costs and delays the delivery of relief, the U.N.
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