Due to increased fuel costs: Less aid for people in need worldwide
Malteser Hilfsdienst eV – Headquarters – 51103 Cologne
Press information
April 9, 2026
Cologne. The war in the Middle East is already having dramatic consequences not only for the people in the region, but also for many others around the world. The significant fuel shortages resulting from the war are also affecting those who are already living in difficult conditions. “The current fuel crisis is one of the biggest challenges we are currently facing. Similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to adapt our programs simultaneously in all the countries where we operate. Our humanitarian workers can no longer support people to the same extent as before, which is why this crisis is hitting those who were already in dire need particularly hard. We sincerely hope that the fuel crisis will be resolved in the coming weeks due to the ceasefire, so that we can once again provide aid to more people than is currently possible,” says Kees Zevenbergen, Program Director of Malteser International.
The sharp rise in gasoline prices is directly impacting the work of aid organizations. In Nigeria, prices have increased by almost 40 percent. As a result, in the village of Pulka, only around 1.200 people can now be provided with food, compared to 2.000 previously. Fuel shortages, price increases, and government rationing are also significantly hindering humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Thailand, Uganda, and Ukraine. In South Sudan, in the capital city of Juba, gasoline prices have risen by up to 90 percent. Health services, mobile operations, and the supply of aid to rural areas are restricted in many places. At the same time, the increased cost of fuel is further fueling inflation. In Myanmar and Bangladesh, the prices of food and everyday necessities are rising. In Uganda, Lebanon, Thailand, and Ukraine, the higher costs of transportation, supplies, and logistics are having a noticeable impact on Malteser International's projects.
“At this time, we have no other option but to focus on those vulnerable people who most urgently need this help,” emphasizes Zevenbergen. “Only through joint efforts and the solidarity of our donors can we continue to provide vital assistance. However, to alleviate the suffering, it is of utmost importance that this war ends as quickly as possible, because innocent people are suffering its consequences every day.”
Despite the massive challenges, Malteser International is doing everything in its power to provide vital assistance. Current events clearly show that international conflicts have global repercussions – and hit hardest those who are already the most vulnerable.