World food prices rose in May at their fastest monthly rate in more than a decade, posting a 12th consecutive monthly increase to hit their highest level since September 2011, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday.

FAO’s cereal price index rose 6.0 per cent in May month-on-month and 36.6 per cent year-on-year. Maize prices led the surge and are now 89.9 per cent above their year-earlier value, however FAO said they fell back at the end of the month, lifted by an improved production outlook in the United States.