2026-09-28 · World Bank

Food-price pressure persists across the Middle East and North Africa

The World Bank’s September update identifies persistent food-price pressure in the Middle East and North Africa. Its global data also show rising grain and fertilizer costs.

Import costs, exchange rates and household incomes influence how a global commodity shock reaches local grocery bills. Regional pressure does not mean every country has the same inflation rate.

Local reading focus

South Africa: African peace and civilian protection, Palestine diplomacy and supply routes. African conflicts are foregrounded rather than an Australia-centred selection.