Published on: 2026-05-08
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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Global food prices have risen for the third consecutive month, driven by high energy costs and ongoing supply disruptions related to the conflict in the Middle East. This is stated in the latest report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks the dynamics of international quotations of major food commodities, stood at 130.7 points in April—1.6 percent higher than the revised March value and two percent higher than the level of the previous year.
Grain prices
Grain prices rose by 0.8 percent compared to March and by 0.4 percent on an annual basis. The increase affected most of the main crops, with the exception of sorghum and barley.
Global wheat prices increased by 0.8 percent amid concerns about drought in certain areas of the USA and the likelihood of below-normal rainfall in Australia. Additional pressure came from expectations of reduced wheat plantings in 2026, as farmers are shifting to less fertilizer-intensive crops due to high fertilizer prices, linked to rising energy costs and supply disruptions following the actual closure of the Hormuz Strait.
World corn prices rose by 0.7 percent, supported by seasonal supply reductions, weather risks in Brazil, and dry conditions in some US northern regions. Additional growth was driven by steady demand for ethanol amid high oil prices and concern over fertilizer availability. At the same time, world sorghum prices fell by four percent due to weak import demand and improved production forecasts in key exporting countries.
The rice price index increased by 1.9 percent, mainly due to the rise in the quotations of Indian and aromatic rice. The market was influenced by higher production and logistics costs in the exporting country following the surge in prices for oil and petroleum products.
The cost of oil is rising
The vegetable oil price index rose by 5.9 percent and reached the maximum since July 2022. Prices increased for palm, soybean, sunflower, and rapeseed oils. Palm oil prices have been rising for the fifth consecutive month amid expected increased demand from the biofuel sector, supported by government incentives and high oil prices. Additional pressure is exerted by concerns about a decrease in production in Southeast Asia.
Meat prices have reached a record high
The meat price index reached a new record level, increasing by 1.2 percent over the month and by 6.4 percent year-on-year. Global beef prices have updated the historical maximum due to limited supply in Brazil, where herd recovery continues. Pork prices also rose following strengthened quotations in the EU amid seasonal demand, although the growth was partially offset by price declines in Brazil.
Dairy products and sugar
Against this background, the dairy product price index fell by 1.1 percent, reflecting the decline in world prices for butter and cheese due to abundant milk supplies in the EU and unexpectedly high late-season volumes in Oceania.
Prices for solar panels fell by 4.7 percent over the month and by 21.2 percent compared to last year. The decrease is linked to expectations of abundant supply in the current season, reinforced by improved production forecasts in China and Thailand. The start of the new processing season in Brazil also exerted downward pressure on the market.
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