WorldMay 21, 2026, 8:22 AM

Middle East Conflict Drives Up Costs, Hurts Sri Lanka's Tea Industry

Axios (Tổng hợp từ english.kyodonews.net)

Rising energy costs fueled by the Middle East crisis are directly impacting Sri Lanka's tea industry, forcing workers to change their daily habits. Tea factory worker Jacintha Malar has switched from gas to firewood for cooking as transport and fuel prices spike. Analysts warn that prolonged conflict could deepen Sri Lanka's economic crisis and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of tea workers.

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COLOMBO – Tea factory worker Jacintha Malar used to cook for her family with gas, but has now switched to firewood after the Middle East conflict pushed up energy costs and damaged the country's tea industry.

According to reports, the conflict in the Middle East has disrupted energy supply chains, causing a sharp rise in transport and fuel prices. This has added pressure to Sri Lanka's already weakened economy, hitting the tea sector – one of its key exports – particularly hard.

Many tea workers are facing increased financial hardship as living costs soar while incomes decline. This situation is forcing laborer families to cut spending and seek alternatives, such as using wood instead of gas for cooking.

Analysts fear that if the Middle East conflict continues, Sri Lanka's tea industry will remain under pressure, deepening the economic crisis and affecting the livelihoods of thousands of workers in the sector.