Global food prices rise as FAO Food Price Index hits highest level since 2022

The FAO Food Price Index rose for the third consecutive month in September 2026, increasing 1.5% from August and reaching its highest level since November 2022. Prices have risen 5.8% compared to September 2025.

Several factors are driving these increases, including rising production costs from higher oil and diesel prices, increased costs for imported fertilizers and materials due to trade tariffs, and higher wages resulting from reduced agricultural labor pools. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, have also negatively impacted global crop yields.

Additionally, supply chain disruptions caused by regional conflicts and port delays, alongside corporate profit margins, have contributed to the upward trend. The rising costs are forcing families to shift toward calorie-dense staples while cutting nutrient-dense foods. According to the UN Hunger Hotspots Report and the World Food Program, 266 million people globally are currently facing acute, crisis-level hunger.