CAIRO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have set off a fresh wave of price increases that took effect in early April.

The region depends heavily on imported grain and food, leaving it particularly exposed to the economic fallout from the war in Ukraine. The recent turmoil in the Strait of Hormuz has compounded those pressures, driving up costs across key sectors.