U.S. operation against Iran drives sharp rise in food prices

The U.S. operation against Iran has led to the sharpest rise in food prices in the United States in nearly four years, The Washington Post reported.

Citing U.S. Labor Department data, the newspaper said food prices have increased by more than 18% since January 2022.

The latest price jump has added pressure on American households, many of which have long been pessimistic about the economy.

The newspaper said the war with Iran pushed up diesel fuel costs for refrigerated trucks transporting fruit and vegetables. Economists also pointed to a sharp rise in beef prices in April, with beef costs increasing steadily over the past two years.

The energy shock caused by military action in the Middle East is only now beginning to affect the U.S. food market, with experts expecting the impact to become more visible in the coming months.