Food prices across the world rose at their fastest pace on record in March, according to a UN agency. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said that its food price index made a “giant leap” in March, rising 13 percent over the month to 159.3 points, an all-time high. Record surges were also noted in several food sub-categories, with prices of vegetable oil, cereals, and meat vaulting to unprecedented levels. The FAO pointed to conflict-related export disruptions from Ukraine as a key factor behind the inflationary pain Even before the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, food prices were at a record high due to factors like pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and a post-lockdown pick-up in demand. The war has made those inflationary pressures worse. “The current conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation is increasing the risk of a further deterioration of the food insecurity situation …