With our economy embroiled in this lingering and cruel war in the Middle East, this energy emergency is clearly extending to the food sector, something we all cannot live without, crisis or no crisis, as sky-high oil and gas prices push the cost of food higher. The food sector covers agriculture, production, logistics, retail, dining and tourism. At this time of rising costs of goods, some industry players fear that this would result in higher costs of food. Large companies may be able to adapt but for the smaller food producers, such new requirements can mean higher costs. An open trade regime also strengthens the absorptive capacity of redirected food supplies, mitigating the risks of food inflation, the Oxford study said.

Source: Philippine Star April 01, 2026 16:48 UTC