A key international food price index rose for the third month in succession, climbing 2.1% in March on the back of tightening supplies of wheat, vegetable oils, and dairy products, renewing concerns about food security in import-dependent nations.
Analysts attribute the trend to a combination of adverse weather in major growing regions, elevated shipping costs, and sustained energy price pressures feeding through to fertiliser costs.
The agency warned that households in low-income countries are disproportionately exposed to the increases and called on governments to resist export restrictions that could further destabilise global markets.
