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UN agency: Iran war makes delivery of relief aid to Sudan costly
The UN refugee agency says the Iran-related war has more than doubled shipping costs and delayed relief deliveries to Sudan, the world’s largest displacement crisis. Disruptions, port congestion, and higher insurance premiums are compounding the problem, with the Dubai stockpile hub at the center of supplies.
Why It Matters
Rising transport costs and delays threaten aid to millions displaced in Sudan, amid broader funding shortfalls for UNHCR's appeal and widespread humanitarian needs.
Timeline
4 Events
May 1, 2026: UNHCR funding constraints and funding gap
May 1, 2026
UNHCR notes severe funding constraints, with its $8.5 billion appeal to assist 135 million refugees and displaced people only 23% funded, affecting its ability to respond to growing needs amid disruptions.
May 1, 2026: UNHCR stockpile hubs, including the Dubai hub, are described
May 1, 2026
The Dubai hub hosts UNHCR's biggest global stockpile of relief items and is one of seven stockpiles worldwide (the others are in Copenhagen, Nairobi, Douala, Accra, Panama City, and Termez).
May 1, 2026: UNHCR reports relief-aid transport costs to Sudan have more than doubled
May 1, 2026
UNHCR states that transport costs for moving relief items from Dubai to Sudan and to Chad have risen from $927,000 to $1.87 million. Ships that previously passed through the Strait of Hormuz are being redirected via Europe around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to 25 days to delivery times. Insecurity around Gulf routes, port congestion, and higher war-risk insurance premiums (0.5% to 1.5% of cargo value) are also contributing. In Nairobi, fuel prices have risen by about 15%, delaying shipments and reducing truck availability to Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan.
February 28, 2026: US-Israel war against Iran begins, affecting Gulf shipping routes
February 28, 2026
The article notes that the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28 has led to disruptions in Gulf shipping routes, contributing to higher costs and insecurity around the Strait of Hormuz.