World food prices are rising for the second month in a row – in March they increased by 2.4%, compared to the revised February figure. This is stated in the April report of the FAO – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
“To one degree or another, the values of the price indices for all groups of goods – cereals, meat, dairy products, vegetable oils and sugar – increased, which is due to both the market situation and the reaction to the increase in energy prices due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East,” the report says.
Compared to March 2025, prices became 1% higher. At the same time, this indicator remains 19.8% lower than the record level recorded in March 2022.
The grain price index in March, compared to February, rose by 1.5%, and in annual terms – by 0.6%. This dynamics is explained by the growth in quotations of all major grain crops, except rice. The vegetable oil price index in March was 5.1% higher than the February level and 13.2% higher than the March 2025 indicator. The increase in this segment has been continuing for the third consecutive month.
The meat price index in March increased by 1% compared to February, and in annual terms – by 8%. This is primarily attributed to a sharp rise in pork prices due to rising EU quotations amid expected stronger seasonal demand. Beef prices rose moderately, while lamb and poultry prices fell slightly.
The dairy price index increased by 1.2% in March compared to February, but remained 18.7% lower year-on-year. The increase was recorded for the first time since July 2025, driven by higher prices for skimmed milk powder, butter and whole milk powder. At the same time, cheese became cheaper.
The sugar price index in March exceeded the February figure by 7.2% and reached its highest level since November 2025.
The FAO Food Price Index is a weighted average indicator that reflects changes in international prices for five main food groups.
