The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that global food prices continued to rise in April 2026, with the FAO Food Price Index averaging 130.7 points, up 1.6 percent from March.
This marked the third consecutive monthly increase, mainly driven by rising prices of vegetable oils, cereals and meat, although declines in sugar and dairy prices helped limit the overall increase.
The FAO said global cereal prices edged higher due to mounting supply concerns and rising production costs.
Wheat prices increased because of drought conditions in parts of the United States and concerns over lower rainfall in Australia.
Higher fertilizer and energy costs, partly linked to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, also contributed to expectations of reduced wheat planting.
Corn and rice prices rose as weather concerns, tighter supplies and higher transportation and production costs affected global markets.
Vegetable oil prices recorded the sharpest increase, reaching their highest level since July 2022.
The rise was fueled by stronger demand from the biofuel sector, higher crude oil prices and concerns over lower palm oil production in Southeast Asia.
Soy, sunflower and rapeseed oil prices also climbed due to supply tightness and growing industrial demand in major economies including the United States and the European Union.
Global meat prices reached a new record high in April, led by rising beef prices amid limited cattle supplies in Brazil and strong international demand, particularly from China.
Poultry prices also increased due to seasonal demand and logistical challenges affecting exports, while sheep meat prices remained relatively stable.
In contrast, dairy and sugar prices declined. Dairy prices fell due to abundant milk supplies in Europe and Oceania, which increased butter and cheese production.
Sugar prices dropped sharply on expectations of strong global supply, supported by improved production prospects in China, Thailand and Brazil under favorable weather conditions.
FAO noted that despite the recent increases, global food prices remain significantly below the record highs reached in March 2022. However, rising energy costs, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and climate-related risks continue to create uncertainty in global agricultural markets.
