Pakistan hunger crisis deepens as Iran war oil shock drives up food prices | Free meals surge

The war with Iran is doing collateral damage to the world economy - driving up energy and fertiliser prices, threatening food shortages in poor countries, and destabilising fragile states such as Pakistan, after Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz following US-Israel missile strikes on February 28. The fuel crisis in Pakistan emerged during the final days of Ramadan, when families were preparing for Eid al-Fitr. Higher petrol prices have already pushed up transport fares and grocery costs, adding pressure on household budgets at a time when spending typically rises. In response, Pakistan's government offices are now operating on a four-day workweek, schools have closed, and a 50% work-from-home policy has been enacted to save fuel.