North Korea's state-run media have recently been reporting surges in international grain prices.

The Korean Central Television reported Wednesday that there are mounting concerns over soaring prices for rice, wheat and corn in the international market amid global food shortages.

Reporting that 37 countries are facing a food crisis due to the steep increases in crop prices, the news broadcaster claimed that the food crisis is intensifying as the United States and other Western countries are increasing their production of biofuels.

The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, also quoted foreign news reports as saying that the severe food shortages are sweeping the international community, posing a threat to humanity and obstructing the safety, peace and security of the world.