FAO Global Food Price Index Reaches Highest Level Since November 2022
The average global food price index in September was 136 points. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), this represents an increase of 1.5% compared to August 2026 and 5.8% compared to September 2025.
The last time a higher index level was recorded was in 2022. In March of that year, the index reached a peak of 160.2 points. In September, it stood at 137.3 points, in October at 136.7, and in November at 136.0 points.
Sugar saw the most significant price increase over the month, rising by 6.1%. Cereals rose by 5.1%, and vegetable oils by 0.9%. In contrast, meat prices declined by 1.1%, and dairy products by 0.1%.
The FAO attributed the September trend to logistical challenges in the Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz regions. The report also noted severe drought in major agricultural producing countries in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, attributed to the natural phenomenon El Niño.
"We are observing a steady and increasingly widespread rise in global commodity prices. If this continues, it will soon put pressure on consumer food prices, especially in countries dependent on food and energy imports," said FAO's chief economist Máximo Torero.
The index is calculated monthly and is based on prices for 23 food commodities, grouped into five categories: cereals, vegetable oils, meat, dairy products, and sugar.
