ROME: The FAO said its Food Price Index averaged 131.1 points in July, up 0.6 percent from June. It attributed the increase partly to disruptions to export flows in the Black Sea region and the impact of heatwaves on crops.
The grain price index rose 3.4 percent, driven mainly by higher wheat prices amid damage to export infrastructure in the Black Sea region and the effects of heatwaves on crops in several major producing countries.
The vegetable oil price index increased 2 percent, reaching its highest level since June 2022, driven by higher palm oil and soybean oil prices.
Meanwhile, the meat price index fell 2.8 percent, while the dairy price index declined 0.7 percent.
The sugar price index rose 5.6 percent, with concerns over the impact of hot and dry weather on crops in key producing areas contributing to the increase.