The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Food Price Index averaged 133.3 points in August, up 1.9 percent from July and 2.5 percent from a year earlier, reaching its highest level since the end of 2022.
ROME, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Food Price Index averaged 133.3 points in August, up 1.9 percent from July and 2.5 percent from a year earlier, reaching its highest level since the end of 2022, the FAO said Friday.
The increase was broad-based, with all five commodity group indices rising. The FAO Sugar Price Index recorded the biggest increase, surging 11.9 percent month-on-month to its highest level since June 2025, amid growing concerns over global sugar supplies in the 2026/27 season. Hot and dry weather in the European Union and parts of Asia, lower sugar production in Brazil, and India's decision to allow duty-free raw sugar imports contributed to the rise.
The FAO Cereal Price Index rose 2.2 percent in August to its highest level since May 2024. Wheat prices increased 2.6 percent, supported by continued disruptions to Black Sea export logistics, lower production prospects in parts of Europe due to hot and dry weather, and a weaker U.S. dollar. Maize prices climbed 2.5 percent amid concerns over crop yields in parts of the United States and the European Union, strong demand from the ethanol and feed sectors, and disruptions to Ukrainian exports.
The Vegetable Oil Price Index rose 0.6 percent to its highest level since June 2022, marking its third consecutive monthly increase. The Meat Price Index increased 1.0 percent, driven by higher poultry, pig and ovine meat prices, while the Dairy Price Index rose 2.3 percent, its first increase in four months.
Despite the August rise, the FAO Food Price Index remained 16.8 percent below its record high reached in March 2022, the FAO said. ■
