Global food prices declined by 4.3 per cent in March, but meat by only six-tenths of one per cent, reports the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

It monitors and reports prices monthly.

Senior economist Abdolreza Abbassian said "the price drops are largely driven by demand factors, not supply, and the demand factors are influenced by ever-more deteriorating economic prospects" because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sugar prices declined the most - by 19.1 per cent compared with February.

The FAO vegetable oil price index declined 12 per cent, dairy by three per cent and cereal prices by 1.9 per cent.