Rome: Global food prices rose in July to their highest level in more than three years, driven by increases in cereal, sugar, and vegetable oil prices amid concerns over global grain supplies and the impact of weather conditions on agricultural production.

According to Emirates News Agency, data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) showed that the Food Price Index rose by 0.6 percent from June to 131.1 points. This increase was supported by higher prices for cereals, sugar, and vegetable oils, despite declines in meat and dairy prices.

The cereal price index saw a significant increase of 3.4 percent, with wheat prices rising due to concerns over disruptions to Black Sea exports and damage to export infrastructure. Additionally, heatwaves affecting crops in several producing countries contributed to this rise. Maize prices also saw an uptick, rising by 3.6 percent.

Meanwhile, the vegetable oil price index climbed 2 percent, reaching its highest level since June 2022. This was supported by higher prices for palm and soybean oils.

In contrast to these increases, the meat price index fell by 2.8 percent, and dairy prices declined by 0.7 percent. However, the sugar price index rose significantly by 5.6 percent, driven by concerns over the impact of weather conditions on sugar crops.