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2026-04-04 00:34:42
[Middle East Conflict Pushes Up Energy Costs, Global Food Prices Rise in March] A report released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on April 3rd stated that the global food price index rose 2.4% month-on-month in March 2026, marking the second consecutive month of increase. The main reason was that the Middle East conflict pushed up energy prices, thereby increasing agricultural production and transportation costs. Data shows that the FAO food price index was 128.5 points in March, up 1.0% compared to the same period last year. Among them, vegetable oil and sugar prices saw the largest increases, rising 5.1% and 7.2% respectively; cereal prices rose 1.5%, with wheat prices rising 4.3%; meat prices rose 1%, while rice prices fell 3%. The FAO stated that rising energy and fertilizer prices are pushing up agricultural input costs. If the conflict continues for an extended period, farmers may reduce fertilizer use, shrink planting areas, or switch to low-input crops, which will affect future food production and global food price trends. (CCTV News)
