EXCLUSIVE: UNDP Head Warns of Food Shortages from Sept.

Tokyo, May 18 (Jiji Press)–Food shortages are expected to hit many parts of the world from September or October following a fertilizer production plunge, the U.N. Development Program’s head told Jiji Press on Monday. “In September, (or) October, many places in the world will have problems of food shortage,” as agricultural production is expected to be much lower following the fertilizer production slump resulting from high oil prices amid Middle East conflicts, UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo said in an interview in Tokyo. High energy prices, inflation and the resulting instability will persist “at least until the end of the year,” De Croo also said, calling for an early end of the conflicts. He stated that oil tankers are moving only “at the speed of a bike” in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively blockaded. Fertilizer prices have “exploded” due to high crude oil prices, he said, adding that while Japanese farmers may still be able to pay the higher costs, fertilizer would not arrive at all in poorer countries. De Croo also emphasized that needs for support are exceeding available resources due to reductions in foreign aid by many countries. “No country is immune today to the instability in the world,” he said. Many may think that what is happening in Gaza, Ukraine, South Sudan is something far away, but it can be at “your back door much faster than you think,” he added, seeking continued international support. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]