The present crisis is unusual because the price spikes are hitting all major foods in most countries at once.
As of December, 37 countries faced food crises and 20 had imposed some sort of food-price controls.
Food costs worldwide rose by 23 per cent from 2006 to 2007. The price of grains is up 42 per cent, oils 50 per cent and dairy products 80 per cent.
The UN's World Food Programme faces a US$500 million (S$690 million) shortfall in funding this year to feed 89 million needy people.