Stable wheat flour prices in December despite concerns about future food imports

Yemen continues to face the largest food security emergency in the world, with 7 to 10 million people estimated to be in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse food insecurity. Of this total, at least two million people are in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and face an increased risk of mortality. Given this emergency, increased levels of humanitarian assistance are needed to save lives throughout the country.   

Poor household purchasing power caused by elevated food prices and below-average household incomes is a key driver of limited food access observed in Yemen at this time. In December, several large wheat importers reported that they would be unable to continue wheat imports given the effects of the ongoing banking crisis on their businesses. However, despite these reports, wheat flour prices at most markets remained relatively stable in December compared to the previous month. However, the price of wheat in Al Hudaydah, a key port city where wheat enters the country, rose 7 percent (WFP).

According to the Task Force on Population Movement’s 12^th Report, Yemen hosts approximately 2 million conflict-related IDPs, with the largest IDP populations located in Hajjah and Ta’izz governorates. According to WFP’s mVAM surveys, IDP respondents continue to report more severe food security outcomes (based on food consumption score and rCSI) in comparison to non-displaced populations.