EU, WFP announce €8 million emergency aid as Myanmar's food crisis deepens

Narinjara News, 18 May 2026

The European Union (EU) and World Food Programme (WFP) have announced a €8 million joint initiative in an emergency response to Myanmar's deepening food crisis. This timely assistance aims to support millions of Burmese citizens struggling with the high crisis of survival.

The Middle East crisis has significantly impacted Myanmar's economy through rising global oil prices and supply chain disruptions. Because Myanmar imports a large volume of fuel, the global shocks quickly translate to a spike in local transportation, logistics, and essential food costs.

Since late February, nationwide fuel prices have tripled. Concurrently, the prices of staple goods—including rice, oil, beans and salt—had risen, hitting conflict-affected regions the hardest. On average, basic food prices have climbed 18% nationwide. Magway region has seen the steepest increase at 38%, followed by Karen State and Rakhine State at 32% and 31% respectively.

These soaring costs are pushing even basic food items out of reach for poor families, depletion of savings and limiting employment opportunities.

“As global fuel prices rise, it is becoming increasingly difficult for millions of people, who are already struggling to afford their basic necessities,” said Jessica Chaix. She added, “The EU is committed to continue providing vital food and nutrition assistance, and also supporting the delivery of aid to those in urgent need because of the conflicts.”

The crisis is also threatening agricultural production ahead of the rainy season. Due to skyrocketing fertilizer prices and limited availability, many farmers across Myanmar are reducing their fertilizer uses.

According to the WFP, a 50% reduction in fertilizer application could decrease nationwide crop production by 15%, which would further drive up food prices and severely exacerbate Myanmar’s food crisis in the next few months.