Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Global food prices rise near four-year high amid disruptions
Global food prices went up in September.
The United Nations measures these prices using a basket of important foods.
Its index reached 136.0 points, the highest level since November 2022.
Sugar, cereals and vegetable oils became more expensive.
Meat and dairy prices moved down.
Bad weather fears and shipping problems helped push prices higher.
Problems in the Black Sea also reduced expectations for wheat and maize exports.
The United Nations warned that these costs could eventually make food more expensive for people, especially in countries that import food and energy.
The FAO Food Price Index rose to 136.0 points in September, up from a revised 134.0 in August.
September’s reading was the highest since November 2022, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Cereal, sugar and vegetable oil prices increased, while meat and dairy prices declined.
Weather concerns and disruptions affecting Black Sea trade contributed to higher sugar and wheat prices.
FAO forecast 2026 global cereal production at 2.979 billion metric tons and lowered its 2026/27 trade forecast by 0.7%.
- Who
- The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, including FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero.
- What
- The FAO Food Price Index rose to 136.0 points in September, while the agency adjusted its cereal forecasts.
- When
- In September, with the report released on October 2.
- Where
- International food commodity markets, including trade routes through the Black Sea and Strait of Hormuz.
- Why
- Weather concerns, logistics disruptions, climate shocks and constrained Black Sea shipping routes affected crop and commodity markets.
- September FAO Food Price Index
- 136.0 points
- August index
- Revised to 134.0 points
- Highest reading since
- November 2022
- 2026 cereal production forecast
- 2.979 billion metric tons
- Production comparison
- 2.1% below the previous year’s peak, but the second-largest harvest on record
- 2026/27 cereal trade forecast
- Cut by 0.7% from September’s forecast
- Prices that increased
- Cereals, sugar and vegetable oils
- Prices that declined
- Meat and dairy