Global food commodity prices rose in September despite near record harvest

International food commodity prices rose 1.5 per cent month on month in September 2026, Retail News Asia reported. Year on year, global food commodity prices increased by 5.8 per cent. Rising energy expenses, maritime trade disruptions, and higher fertiliser costs across major Asian trade routes drove the price growth. [1]

The Food and Agriculture Organization Food Price Index reached 136 points in September, according to Retail News Asia. The increase occurred even though worldwide cereal production was on track to reach 2.979 billion tonnes, which marks the second highest harvest on record. [1]

Retail News Asia stated that global cereal inventories for the 2026 to 2027 season remain stable at approximately 950 million tonnes. Elevated distribution costs and high input pricing have severed the connection between abundant grain supplies and consumer retail prices. [1]

In contrasting market trends, The Shelby Report reported that overall grocery prices dipped 0.1 per cent in September while higher gas prices pushed inflation up. Meanwhile, Fana News and Petra News both reported that a national food industry strategy highlighted a 2.5 billion dollar output and a 102 per cent export growth over five years. [2][3][4]