### 📈 Global Hunger Projected to Surge Amid Middle East Conflict

The World Food Program (WFP) warns of a significant escalation in global food insecurity if the current conflict continues through June 2026. • Impact Projection: An additional 45 million people are expected to face acute hunger, pushing the global total beyond the current record of 319 million. • Economic Drivers: The crisis is fueled by sharp increases in food prices, oil, and shipping costs, directly impacting global supply chains. • Sri Lankan Context: As an import-dependent economy, Sri Lanka remains highly vulnerable to these rising freight charges and energy costs, which may strain domestic food inflation and logistics sectors. _Source: WFP provisional analysis (March 2026)_