The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recorded a third consecutive monthly increase in its Food Price Index for September, reaching 136.0 points, up 1.5% from August and 5.8% higher than a year earlier.

The index’s upward trend has been steady since June, moving from 130.1 points to 131.7 in July, 134.0 in August and now 136.0 in September, indicating a broad-based rise across food commodities.

Cereals led the price surge, with the FAO Cereal Price Index jumping 5.1% from August and standing 17.2% above its level a year earlier.

Wheat prices rose 6.3% as logistical constraints in the Black Sea and dry conditions in parts of North America affected planting, while maize prices increased 5.6% due to concerns over U.S. yields and reduced Brazilian exports.

Sugar prices climbed 6.1% on expectations of tighter supplies for the 2026/27 season, reflecting lower production prospects in Thailand, below‑normal rainfall in India, heavy rains in Brazil and reduced beet planting in the EU.

Vegetable oil prices edged up 0.9%, supported by strong global demand for palm oil and dry weather affecting Southeast Asian output.

Not all food groups rose; the FAO Meat Price Index fell 1.1% and the Dairy Price Index slipped 0.1% amid ample export supplies of pig and poultry meat.

FAO attributes the September price pressure to weather disruptions, transport challenges and higher quotations across several crop‑based commodity groups.

FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero warned that ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, combined with climate shocks, are intensifying pressure on energy, transport and key food commodities.

The organisation also projects a 2.1% decline in global cereal output for 2026, to 2.979 billion tonnes, while cereal trade is expected to fall 3.5% to 505.8 million tonnes due to shipping constraints.