Mideast countries that are already struggling fear price hikes after Russia exits grain deal

By SAMY MAGDY
Associated Press

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt and other lower-income Middle Eastern countries like Lebanon and Pakistan are worried about what comes next after Russia pulled out of a crucial wartime grain deal. They’re already struggling with economic woes that have driven more people into poverty and fear rising food prices will create even more pain for households, businesses and government bottom lines. Many have diversified their sources of wheat, and there is enough of the grain to go around in the world. But the end of the deal that allowed Ukraine’s grain to flow during a global food crisis has created uncertainty about price hikes, a major driver of hunger.