Food prices spiked in March as Middle East conflict drove up energy costs, UN says

Biggest rises were in vegetable oil and sugar prices, which increased by 5% and 7% respectively

Food prices rose sharply in March as war in the Middle East drove up energy prices and freight costs around the world, a report by the United Nations has found.

An index of food commodity prices by the UN’s food and agriculture organisation increased 2.4% in March, its second consecutive monthly rise.

The index – which tracks grain, sugar, meat, dairy and vegetable oil costs – had risen for the first time in five months in February.

The biggest increases were in vegetable oil and sugar prices, which increased by 5% and 7% respectively in March.