“The escalation in the Middle East region is alarming, with ongoing impact on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Millions of people continue to live in fear and uncertainty, trapped and desperate.

“The ripple effects due to the disruptions in trade through the Strait of Hormuz are severely impacting people’s livelihoods, due to stagnation in agricultural production and people’s access to basics, including food and other basic commodities.

According to latest reports, over the past three days only five ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz while prices of oil have seen a significant increase in the past 48 hours to up to 100 US$ a barrel. Meanwhile, the prices of gas in Europe have surged nearly 50 per cent.

“The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical chokepoints worldwide for global trade, and a key factor in economic stability and food security. Continued disruption to the movement of goods including basic supplies like fertilisers has far fetched implications. It continues to affect global supply chains and pressuring economies especially in fragile countries already struggling with poverty and unemployment.

For more information and to request interviews, please contact:

• Juliette Touma, UNOPS Global Director of Communications, +45 53 52 01 27, juliettet@unops.org

About UNOPS

UNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world. Read more: www.unops.org.

About the UN Strait of Hormuz Task Force
The UN Strait of Hormuz Task Force includes UNOPS, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Maritime Organization, and the International Chamber of Commerce, with co-operation from other United Nations agencies.