PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A 35-year-old factory worker now walks four hours daily to and from his job because he cannot afford bus fare, a direct result of conflict in Iran that has sent fuel costs soaring in Haiti.
Alexandre Joseph voiced his concerns loudly on a recent morning in Haiti’s capital, drawing attention from those walking by.
“The government raised the prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene, hitting my family. I now am unable to feed my two children on the salary I have,” Joseph stated.
The Iranian conflict has triggered a spike in oil costs throughout Haiti, breaking down essential supply networks, increasing transport expenses by 100%, and compelling millions of malnourished residents to further reduce their already limited food intake.
As the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation, Haiti faces the most severe impact from climbing oil prices, which experts say will worsen an already deteriorating humanitarian emergency.
Haiti’s administration declared on April 2 that diesel costs would jump 37% while gasoline prices would climb 29%.
“The consequences are huge,” stated Erwan Rumen, deputy country director for the United Nations World Food Program in Haiti. “It’s one of the most fragile countries in the world.”
Nearly half of Haiti’s roughly 12 million residents currently experience severe acute food insecurity. Rumen observed that in recent months, approximately 200,000 individuals moved from emergency status to acute conditions, marking a critical threshold.
“What is a bit frightening is to see that so many efforts could be basically wiped out by things that are completely out of our control,” Rumen explained. “This part of the population is extremely fragile. They’re on the verge of collapsing completely.”
Criminal gang activity has worsened food shortages, with armed groups controlling major roadways and blocking goods transportation. Rising food costs will only intensify hunger in a nation where gangs easily recruit children from families desperate for food and income.
Emmline Toussaint, main coordinator of Mary’s Meals’ BND school-feeding program in Haiti, reported that gas stations in certain areas charge 25% to 30% above government-set prices due to gang violence and truck access difficulties.
The U.S.-based nonprofit must now use boats and take longer, alternate routes to reach the 196,000 children they serve throughout Haiti while avoiding armed groups, Toussaint said.
“The humanitarian crisis that we’re facing right now is at its worst,” she explained. “So far, we are doing our best not to step back. Now, more than ever, the kids need us. … Most of them, it’s the only meal they receive.”
Fedline Jean-Pierre, a quiet mother of a 7-year-old boy, sat beneath a worn beach umbrella while considering whether to raise prices on the carrots, tomatoes and other vegetables she sells at a Port-au-Prince outdoor market.
“People are not buying now because they don’t have money,” Jean-Pierre said, explaining she may have no option but to increase prices to survive. “I have a child to feed.”
The 35-year-old mother and her son have spent two years living in a crowded, unsanitary shelter, part of a record 1.4 million Haitians forced from their homes by gang violence in recent years.
“The government doesn’t do anything for me,” she said. “Gas is up now, meaning everything will go up.”
Street vendor Maxime Poulard purchases charcoal from suppliers to resell at higher prices. While he sometimes sells two bags daily, he expects to soon afford only half a bag for resale.
“Traveling is expensive; eating is expensive; everything is expensive,” Poulard said. “I’m not sure if I will be able to hold on much more.”
Nearly 40% of Haitians live on less than $2.15 daily, according to World Bank data. Haiti’s economy has shrunk for seven straight years, with inflation hitting 32% by the end of fiscal 2025.
Joseph, the factory worker, plans to sell soft drinks from his home during evening hours to generate additional income, but acknowledges it won’t suffice: “We’re also going to reduce the way we normally eat.”
On April 6, Haitians pulled burning tires and debris into streets to block traffic and demonstrate against fuel price increases in Port-au-Prince, where gangs control an estimated 90% of the territory.
Local news outlets reported gunshots as some Haitians forced drivers of small colorful buses called tap-taps to remove their passengers.
Marc Jean-Louis, a 29-year-old tap-tap operator, said passengers increasingly try to negotiate fares, but he cannot afford to offer reduced prices.
“All the money is going toward gas,” Jean-Louis said while urging the government to lower prices “so that everyone can breathe.”
Haitians worry about increased violence as the nation’s poverty and hunger intensify.
Rumen, with the U.N.’s World Food Program, said they cannot reach 60,000 people in Haiti’s central region who need assistance. A powerful gang recently attacked the area, killing more than 70 people, according to U.N. reports.
“We’re going to have more needs and less resources,” he cautioned.
Allen Joseph, program manager for Mercy Corps in Haiti, said climbing oil prices are devastating the country’s weak economy: “The families already spending most of their income on food will face impossible tradeoffs.”
He warned the increases will impact access to essential services, including clean water.
“This is not an abstract inflation,” he cautioned. “It will directly impact survival.”
