World food prices recorded a moderate increase for the third consecutive month in April, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This increase can be explained in particular by the surge in energy costs and international geopolitical tensions which continue to weigh on agricultural markets.
The FAO Food Price Index, which measures the evolution of international prices for a basket of basic products, increased by 1.6% compared to March and 2% year-on-year compared to April 2025.
Cereals remain relatively stable
The rise in cereal prices remained limited thanks to stock levels considered sufficient and a supply still supported by the harvests of previous seasons.
In detail, the FAO cereal price index increased by 0.8% over one month. Wheat prices rose 0.8%, while corn prices gained 0.7%.
FAO analysts estimate that current availability still makes it possible to contain tensions in this segment of the world food market.
Vegetable oils reach peak since 2022
Vegetable oils show the strongest growth among the main categories of food products monitored by the FAO.
The vegetable oil index jumped 5.9% compared to March, reaching its highest level since July 2022. This increase particularly concerns palm, soybean, sunflower and rapeseed oils.
According to the FAO, rising oil prices are fueling demand for biofuels, which is increasing pressure on vegetable oil markets.
Meat and fertilizer also under pressure
The meat price index increased by 1.2% in April, reaching a record level, driven mainly by beef prices.
At the same time, the global geopolitical context continues to increase the cost of fertilizers, which are highly dependent on the natural gas used in their production.
The Director General of FAO, Qu Dongyuwarned that fertilizer scarcity could lead to lower agricultural yields and a reduction in global food supply in the second half of the year and in 2027.
He recalled that fertilizers must be used at specific periods of the agricultural cycle. According to him, supply delays could have a lasting impact on harvests, even if deliveries take place later.
