War in Ukraine could lead to food riots in poor countries, warns WTO boss

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says impact of conflict on food prices and hunger could be substantial

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned food-producing countries against hoarding supplies and said it was vital to avoid a repeat of the Covid pandemic, when rich countries were able to secure for themselves the bulk of vaccines. Picture: AP Photo/Michel Euler, file

Rocketing global food prices as a result of the war in Ukraine could trigger riots from those going hungry in poor countries, the head of the World Trade Organization has said.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned food-producing countries against hoarding supplies and said it was vital to avoid a repeat of the Covid pandemic when rich countries were able to secure for themselves the bulk of vaccines.