April 9, 2008 Food riots expand across Haiti, Egypt Play video

(NECN/ABC) - In Cairo, bread is so scarce that it is sold from behind a barricaded wall. Worldwide, the cost of living is sky-rocketing. In Egypt, the price of staples, such as bread and milk, has doubled in the past year alone.

Outrage over the high prices sparked two days of deadly violence in the industrial city of Mahalla. Police fired tear gas at protesters and hundreds were arrested.

In an emergency address, the prime minister promised to fix things, but Egyptians are skeptical.

Things are worse in Haiti. Kidnappings and unrest are spreading throughout the capital city, Port-au-Prince.

The U.N. peacekeeping force, already in Haiti, is under orders not to kill civilians.

The U.N. has also cited a 40% increase in the cost of living in some of the world's most destitute countries.

ABC News reporter Gloria Riviera has the latest.