[REVISION HISTORY]

Global food price index fluctuations

Updated 18 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-04 01:42 UTC → 2026-10-04 07:18 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The FAO Food Price Index reached 136 points in September 2026, its highest level since November 2022. This 1.5% monthly increase marks the third consecutive monthly rise and represents a 5.8% ~~rise~~ increase compared to the previous year, driven primarily by higher costs for cereals, sugar, and vegetable oils. Cereal prices rose 5.1%, with wheat climbing 6.3% due to Black Sea logistical constraints and dry weather in North America. Corn prices increased 5.6% amid US yield concerns, Brazilian export limitations, and Black Sea trade disruptions. The cereal index specifically rose 17.2% compared to September 2025. Sugar prices rose 6.1% due to El Niño and expectations of tighter supply for the 2026/27 season, while vegetable oil prices edged up 0.9% on higher palm oil costs. In contrast, meat prices fell 1.1% due to high poultry and pork supplies, and dairy prices decreased 0.1%. Climate-related disruptions are impacting regional yields. In Italy’s Ferrara region, rice producers face a severe crisis as heatwaves and hail have destroyed between 20% and 80% of crops in certain areas, leading to estimated production deficits of 40% to 50% for some varieties. Despite this scarcity, local farmers report unjustified price contractions due to existing stocks. FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, alongside climate shocks, are creating “persistent and broad-based pressure” on energy, transport, and food commodities, which may soon impact consumer prices in import-dependent nations.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.