Weather, war push up food prices: FAO
PARIS: Food price inflation accelerated in August as drought and conflicts impacted commodity markets, with sugar prices hitting their highest level in more than a year, UN data showed Friday. The food price index compiled by the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization rose by 1.9 percent in August from July, and by 2.5 percent from the level of August 2025. That was an acceleration from July,…
Paris: In August, food prices surged due to drought and conflicts disrupting markets, according to UN data released on Friday. The Food and Agricultural Organization's (FAO) Food Price Index increased by 1.9 percent month-over-month, reaching its highest level in over a year. The index also rose 2.5 percent from August 2025, reflecting a faster rate of increase compared to July, when prices grew by 0.6 percent.
Europe faced an intense heatwave during the summer, which negatively impacted crop yields. Meanwhile, the El Nino climate phenomenon posed risks to agricultural production in Asia. Consequently, sugar prices experienced a significant 11.9 percent increase, reaching their peak since June 2025.
Wheat prices climbed 15 percent compared to the previous year, partly attributed to persistent disruptions in Black Sea export logistics because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The FAO also highlighted concerns over input supplies following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the Middle East conflict. This blockade has not only driven up fuel prices but also disrupted the supply of fertilizers, further exacerbating long-term concerns about food security.
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