The FAO Food Price Index rose in August 1.9% from July and 2.5% from the homologous period due to adverse weather conditions and supply problems resulting from the Middle East crisis.
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04/09/2026
by
Lusa
O global price index calculated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which records monthly variations in international prices of a food basket sold worldwide, recorded an average of 133.3 points in August.
By products, the cereal index has increased by 2.2% since July, as international prices for all major cereals have risen due to strong demand for imports, growing concern about harvest prospects and continued uncertainty about trade flows.
In the case of wheat, world prices rose by 2.6% and were 15% above the level of the previous year, “in the context of persistent interruptions in Black Sea export logistics, of lower production prospects in much of Europe following the hot and dry climate and devaluation of the US dollar”.
The price of maize also rose by 2.5%, driven by “the growing concern for income prospects” in some regions of the United States, by the deterioration of production prospects in the European Union (EU), by the strong demand of the ethanol and animal feed sectors, as well as by the disruptions in the supply of raw materials due to the closure of the Ormuz Strait and the export flows of Ukraine.
The price of rice also increased by 0.5%, supported by sustained purchases from Asian and African countries.
As far as vegetable oils are concerned, this index also increased by 1.1% compared to July, reflecting the rise in palm oil and soybean prices, driven by the strong global demand for imports and the concern about the impact of the climate phenomenon El Niño on the production prospects in Southeast Asia.
However, the quotations for rape and sunflower oils have declined slightly, given the expectations of an abundant supply over the coming year.
The meat price index has increased by 1%, with rising prices for poultry, sheep and swine, in the latter case, due to the high temperatures that slowed down the growth of animals in the EU.
On the other hand, the price of beef fell.
Dairy products increased by 2.3% due to the shortage of milk supplies in the EU caused by the hot and dry climate.
During August, one of the most pronounced increases was sugar (11.9%), impacted by the expectations of lower yields of beet in Europe due to adverse weather conditions, among other factors.