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Akbar Novruz

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The global food price index increased in March, marking the second consecutive monthly rise, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), AzerNEWS reports.

The index rose by 2.4% compared to the previous month and by 1% year-on-year, with the increase linked in part to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Prices across all major commodity groups saw upward movement. The grain price index rose by 1.5%, with wheat prices climbing by 4.3%, while corn and barley also recorded gains.

Vegetable oil prices posted one of the strongest increases, rising by 5.1% month-on-month and by 13.2% compared to a year earlier. Meat prices increased by 1% over the month and by 8% year-on-year.

The dairy price index grew by 1.2% compared to February, marking its first monthly increase since July 2025, although it remained significantly lower than a year earlier, down by 18.7%. The rise was driven mainly by higher prices for milk powder and butter.

Sugar prices also surged, increasing by 7.2% compared to the previous month and reaching their highest level since November, despite being down 21% year-on-year.

In contrast, rice prices declined by 3% during the month.