Multiple factors contributed to high and volatile food prices in Bangladesh during the 2007/2008 period. A "perfect storm" of international, regional, and national conditions delivered a powerful economic shock to the country's food security. Rising global food and fuel prices, regional trade barriers for food exports from South and Southeast Asia, and efforts to ensure macro-economic stability within Bangladesh, all played important roles as the shock of high food prices reverberated throughout the economy. The world's cereal stocks fell to levels unseen in over three decades, as global food prices were pushed higher by poor harvests in major grain exporting countries. Regionally, strong economic growth in numerous Asian economies, including China and India, further contributed to increased demand on limited global grain supplies.