Hormuz crisis drives up costs, delays Indian exporter shipments

Ships carry things we buy across the ocean, and many of them sail through a narrow sea passage called the Strait of Hormuz.

Lately, that area has become unsafe, so ships are taking different, longer routes.

This makes shipping much more expensive and much slower.

A company in India called Nuflower makes special food for children who do not get enough to eat.

Its shipments to Africa that used to take a little over a month now take more than three months.

Nuflower also has to pay more for the ingredients it needs, like peanuts, milk and oil.

The company cannot raise prices much because the food is meant for malnourished children and it competes in a very cost-sensitive market.

Some of Nuflower's customers in Europe and Africa are now buying from other countries instead.

The Indian government is trying to help with a special programme called RELIEF.

For now, Nuflower hopes the problems will end soon so food can still reach children on time.