In May, a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of sugar cost about the equivalent of 72 cents in Mogadishu, the capital. 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.
