Iran War Drives Up Refugee Aid Costs, Delays Sudan Relief: UN

Geneva — The cost of delivering humanitarian aid to Sudan has more than doubled as the Iran war disrupts shipping routes and raises transport expenses, the UN refugee agency said on Friday.

UNHCR said aid shipments that once moved from Dubai through the Strait of Hormuz are now being rerouted from Europe around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to 25 days in delivery time.

Transport costs for relief shipments from Dubai to Sudan and neighboring Chad have risen from $927,000 to $1.87 million, according to UNHCR spokesperson Carlotta Wolf.

The agency said congestion at Gulf ports, higher fuel prices, rising insurance premiums and truck shortages are worsening the crisis, particularly across Africa.

UNHCR warned that the added costs come as its $8.5 billion global funding appeal remains only 23% funded, limiting support for millions of refugees and displaced people.