Asian rice prices surged 20% in May as war and weather threaten output

```htmlGolden Ten Data reported on May 30 that Asian rice prices saw their largest monthly increase in nearly twenty years during May. Weather risks and soaring energy and fertilizer costs caused by wars are threatening yields, and prices may rise further in the future. Thailand white rice, the regional benchmark, surged 20% in May, marking the biggest monthly gain since data began in 2008. Rice futures on the Chicago Board of Trade also rose 15% this month. Wang Binghong, a commodity analyst at BMI under Fitch Solutions, said prices will continue to rise. The El Niño phenomenon is expected to bring hotter and drier weather to parts of Asia, further pushing up rice prices.```