The United Nations’ index of prices rose 1.1 percent in January, pushed up by more pricey vegetable oils and dairy.
Highlights
- The United Nations’ index of prices rose 1.1% in January.
- The gauge is edging closer to 2011’s all-time high.
- The latest leg higher in the food index could further stretch household budgets.
- The poorest “segments in the population will feel the pinch the most,” a UN official says.
- Sugar marked the only commodity that eased during the month, while costs for meat, grain, dairy and vegetable oils rose.
- Countries spanning Turkey to Paraguay are facing food inflation, including Turkey and Paraguay, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.