During January, WFP provided essential support to approximately 370,000 people in Palestine through monthly food and cash e-vouchers, injecting $3.1 million into the local economy and boosting small businesses and households. The most redeemed items were wheat flour, vegetable oil, and rice.
• WFP continued providing its technical expertise and cash-based transfer (CBT) platform to other humanitarian agencies to facilitate the implementation of their projects. Through this service provision in January, WFP assisted about 631,386 individuals and the redemption of about US$ 9.5 million.
• According to WFP market monitoring, the recent earthquake in Turkey may cause a rise in the price of grains like lentils and chickpeas in Palestine during the upcoming months. The disruption of supply chains due to the earthquake may increase costs for essential food items, including grains. Palestine imports approximately 50 per cent of its lentils and 68 per cent of its chickpeas from Turkey.
• In January, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.3 per cent compared to the previous month. (Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics) (PCBS).
• The prices of chicken and chicken eggs in Palestine have reached unprecedented levels due to a disease affecting chicken populations. This has led to a decrease in the supply of chicken products, driving up prices and causing hardship for consumers and farmers.
• During January, the average value of WFP food ration prices in local currency had stabilized compared to January.
• The price of rice has risen for the fifth consecutive month, driven by price increases from source countries such as Australia, the United States, and India. The price of rice is expected to rise, particularly during Ramadan, due to higher demand.
WFP Palestine