The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization says rising food prices in Asia are hurting the poor but have yet to reach a crisis level. The U. N. body says if the price of oil continues to increase the region's food prices will follow suit. Konuma says the region's rice production is expected to increase by more than two percent this 'year while wheat production will decline about four percent. The FAO says world food prices hit a record high in February as the cost of oil was driven up by political instability in the Middle East and North Africa. Despite adequate supplies of rice, some Asian nations appear to be concerned that rising oil costs could eventually affect food supplies. Reports say Burma in February halted all rice exports. Burma is not a major rice producer but the move indicates concerns that rice prices may rise as transportation costs increase. Konuma says the FAO is carefully monitoring oil prices for any affects on Asia.