Washington, Apr 26 (IANS): Global food prices rose by eight percent in the first three months of 2012 due to higher oil prices, adverse weather and strong demand in Asia, the World Bank said in its latest Food Price Watch report Wednesday.

"The World Bank's Global Food Price Index was only 1 percent below a year ago and 6 percent below the February 2011 historic peak. If the current forecasts for increased food production do not materialize, global food prices could reach higher levels, underscoring the need to remain very vigilant," the Bank said in a statement.

"After four months of consecutive price declines, food prices are on the rise again, threatening the food security of millions of people. Putting food first must remain a priority for the international community and in our work in developing countries," Xinhua quoted Otaviano Canuto, World Bank Vice President for poverty reduction and economic management, as saying.

According to the quarterly report, prices of all key staples increased between December and March, except for rice, due to both abundant supply and strong competition among exporters. Maize prices increased by 9 percent, soybean oil by 7 percent, wheat by 6 percent and sugar by 5 percent.