Global Food Prices Hit Four-Year High Amid Supply Chain and Weather Pressures

Global food prices surged in September 2026, reaching their highest level since November 2022. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations reported that the FAO Food Price Index averaged 136.0 points last month, up from 134.0 points in August. The increase was driven by higher prices for cereals, sugar, and vegetable oil, while meat and dairy prices decreased.

FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero attributed the rise to logistics disruptions in key regions like the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, as well as concerns over climate conditions. He warned that prolonged disruptions could lead to higher food prices for consumers, particularly in countries dependent on food and energy imports. The potential for a severe El Niño event also pushed international sugar prices to their highest level in 18 months.

Despite the rising prices, FAO estimates that world cereal production in 2026 will reach 2.979 billion metric tons, slightly lower than the previous year but still the second highest on record. However, the organization revised its forecast for world cereal trade for the 2026/2027 period, cutting it by 0.7 percent due to expected lower exports of wheat and corn amid shipping route limitations in the Black Sea.