Food prices accounted for about 60% of last year’s increase in inflation in the Middle East and North Africa, with the exception of oil-producing Gulf countries. Food export restrictions aimed at protecting domestic supplies and capping inflation is one reason for the rising cost of food. Food prices had been steadily climbing worldwide because of drought, supply chain issues, and high energy and fertilizer costs. There's concern that the impact of all these factors will lead more countries to resort to food export bans, which are felt globally. Analysts say food export bans are shortsighted because they have a domino effect of driving up prices.
