The global grain price crisis is weighing heavily on countries like South Korea, which is dependent on imports for its food supply, and in particular the sharp rise in feed prices, which is putting additional pressure on household spending.

Tracking platforms show that consumer inflation in South Korea has risen much faster than forecast, hitting its highest level in more than 13 years in April. Accordingly, the consumer price index rose 4.8% last month compared to the same period last year, beating the 4.4% increase reported in a survey Reuters lately.

According to a report by China Media Group (CMG), the price of pork belly — a meat popular among Koreans — rose to 150 yuan/kg, equivalent to $22.4/kg, as of Thursday this week, up 20% from previous month.

The reason for the sharp increase in the price of pork was mainly due to the increase in the price of pig breeds and the price of feed. According to official data, the producer price index for pork in South Korea rose by 28.2% in April, and persistently high feed costs also drove up the prices of chicken and poultry eggs.

According to CMG data, a chicken farmer in South Korea said the cost of raising his family’s farm increased by 42,000 yuan a day ($6,272), a 50 percent year-on-year increase due to higher animal feed prices .

CMG has conducted a price survey of several major supermarkets and local markets in Korea, showing that the price of poultry eggs is also up about 10% month-on-month.

Analysts said Korean consumers will most likely face higher costs as grain prices continue to rise around the world. Meanwhile, the Korean government said it is considering a cash subsidy for ranchers to help buy animal feed to ensure domestic food supplies.

Studies show that Korea’s food self-sufficiency performance is the lowest among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries.