Food prices around the world rose by an average of 1.5% in September, primarily due to rising prices for agricultural commodities such as grains, vegetable oils, and sugar. Overall, food prices have increased by 5.8% over the year, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
At the same time, the price of dairy products remained stable over the month, while the price of meat decreased. The FAO price index is currently 15.1% lower than the peak level reached in March 2022.
Grains have increased in price by 5.1% over the last month and by a total of 17.2% over the year. In particular, trade disruptions in the Black Sea region have limited the export supply of wheat and corn.
Vegetable oils increased in price by only 0.9% in September compared to August, but have risen by 18.3% over the year. The monthly increase is primarily due to rising global prices for palm oil, which more than compensated for the decline in prices for sunflower oil.
Sunflower oil prices have decreased for the third consecutive month due to expectations of significant supply volumes from the Black Sea region, although prolonged logistical disruptions and limited export capacities of alternative routes have restrained this decline.
Sugar prices have been rising for the third month in a row and have reached their highest level since April 2025. The increase is primarily due to the anticipated reduction in global sugar supply next year. Sugar has risen by 6.1% over the month and by 14.7% over the year.
The price of meat worldwide has decreased by an average of 1.1% over the month, returning to the level of a year ago. This decline was due to falling prices for poultry and pork, while prices for beef and lamb remained generally stable.
The dairy price index has lost 0.1% compared to August. Overall, the dairy group remains 19.1% cheaper than a year ago. In September, cottage cheese became cheaper, dry milk increased in price, and butter prices remained virtually unchanged.
Food Prices – Latest Forecasts
Due to the influence of the powerful climate phenomenon El Niño, the world faces high prices and sugar shortages. This weather phenomenon will also adversely affect other crops, particularly rice, cocoa, coffee, and palm oil. The peak of El Niño is forecasted for the end of this year.
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