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Middle East Unrest Set to Drive Up African Food and Fuel Costs

African nations are bracing for a surge in fuel and food prices as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, fueled by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, continue to worsen. The Africa Supply Chain Confederation (ASCON) warns that the blocked waterway carries far more weight for the continent than many realize.

"This is not just an oil story," said ASCON President Ronald Mlalazi. Citing the International Energy Agency, Mlalazi said that while the blockade represents the largest disruption in oil market history, fuel isn't the only critical cargo at stake. "The strait moves fertilizer, petrochemicals, plastics, and liquefied natural gas. That is where Africa gets hit hardest," he said.

The group said the consequences are already being felt across the continent, particularly in agriculture and energy. In parts of East Africa for instance, over 50% of fertilizer imports travel through these routes, threatening food security. Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Zambia have begun implementing emergency protocols, including deploying government subsidies to stabilize prices and tapping into strategic national reserves.

InFocus

Craish Bahizi/New Times

A pump attendant refills a car’s fuel tank (file photo).

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