Global Food Prices Reach Four-Year High Amid Logistics Disruptions

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that global food prices rose to their highest level in nearly four years in September, averaging 136.0 points. This is a significant increase from the revised 134.0 points in August and marks a high not seen since November 2022.

The FAO benchmarks for cereal, sugar, and vegetable oil prices all increased last month, while meat and dairy prices declined. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, combined with climate shocks, are putting pressure on energy, transport, and key food commodities, according to FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero.

Torero warned that if sustained, these pressures could eventually be passed on to consumer food prices, particularly in countries dependent on food and energy imports. The FAO also forecast global cereal production in 2026 at 2.979 billion metric tons, which is broadly unchanged from its previous forecast but still 2.1 percent below the 2025 level.