disaster
World: Middle East Crisis - Update: Prices & Currencies (June 2026)
By World Food Programme ReliefWeb
· June 15, 2026
· 1 min read
. Highlights May 2026 The IGC Grains and Oilseeds Index increased by 2 percent at the end of May if compared with the start of the Middle East crisis. Crude oil prices decreased in May but remained elevated at the end of the month, with WTI at 90 USD per barrel and Brent at 93 USD per barrel. Since
Key takeaway Local gasoline prices increased by at least 15 percent in 27 countries since the start of the Middle East crisis.
Why this matters
The Middle East crisis has led to significant increases in local fuel prices, with 27 countries experiencing at least a 15 percent rise in gasoline prices and 51 countries seeing a similar increase in diesel prices. This surge in fuel costs is likely to have a ripple effect on food prices, as transportation and production costs rise. The easing of fertilizer markets in late May 2026 may provide some relief, but the underlying market fragility persists, suggesting that food price volatility may continue. With 17 countries already experiencing year-on-year food inflation of at least 15 percent, the situation is precarious, particularly for vulnerable populations. The depreciation of 8 currencies, flagged as hotspots or in alert, further exacerbates the issue, as it reduces the purchasing power of affected communities, making it even more challenging for them to access basic necessities like food and fuel.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: disaster Published: June 15, 2026 Source: ReliefWeb Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . Highlights May 2026 The IGC Grains and Oilseeds Index increased by 2 percent at the end of May if compared with the start of the Middle East crisis. Crude oil prices decreased in May but remained elevated at the end of the month, with WTI at 90 USD per barrel and Brent at 93 USD per barrel. Since
When was this published? This article was first published on June 15, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by World Food Programme at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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