The Middle East crisis is having a devastating impact on food supplies in south-east Asia, with millions of tonnes of the world's food at risk. The situation has been exacerbated by the looming 'Godzilla strength' El Niño conditions in Asia.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 60% of south-east Asia's imports of crude oil and a third of its imports of gas come from the Middle East. The region's energy import bill is projected to reach $160bn this year, double the $80bn bill in 2024.
The closure of the strait of Hormuz has already had a significant impact on food production across south-east Asia, with the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimating that about 3.3m tonnes of rice production are at risk due to reduced fertiliser use.
El Niño conditions, which could bring 'Godzilla strength' weather events to the region, will further exacerbate the situation, putting millions of tonnes of food at risk. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has declared that El Niño conditions are now underway in Asia and the Pacific.