The war in the Middle East and the near standstill in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are intensifying an already severe energy crisis for developing countries in Africa and South Asia that depend heavily on imported fuel, food and fertilisers.

Low‑income countries are navigating an increasingly uncertain global environment marked by conflict, volatile commodity markets and declining external financing, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned following a discussion by its Executive Board.

The announcement was made ​by Luis Felipe Avellar, President of the Coca-Cola Company’s Africa operating ​unit.

No tea was currently leaving for the Middle East.

African countries import most of their petroleum products, leaving many highly vulnerable to supply disruptions.

African ⁠countries that import most of their petroleum products have imposed sharp fuel price increases