WFP Warns Funding Gap and Rising Fuel Costs Threaten Aid Operations in South Sudan

The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned on May 31 that a significant funding shortfall is jeopardizing humanitarian assistance in South Sudan, where an estimated 7.8 million people require aid. Limited resources mean the agency is currently able to target only 4.2 million people, leaving millions without support.

The situation has been worsened by the impact of the US-Iran conflict, which has disrupted global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and driven up fuel prices. According to the WFP, the increase in fuel costs is adding approximately $3.2 million to its monthly operating expenses in South Sudan.

The Agency cautioned that unless additional funding is secured, it may be forced to make difficult decisions about who receives assistance, despite already struggling to meet growing humanitarian needs. The warning comes as several UN relief programs face financial constraints amid rising global crises and donor fatigue.