Food prices rose in September, according to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released on 02/10/2026. The increase is linked to disruptions in maritime transport in the Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as drought conditions experienced during the summer. The FAO's food price index climbed by 1.5% compared to the previous month and by 5.8% compared to the same period in the previous year. However, the index is still below its peak, which was recorded in March 2022. Maximo Torero, the chief economist of the FAO, noted that ongoing tensions in the prices of agricultural raw materials are being driven by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, combined with climate shocks. He warned that if these tensions persist, they could affect food prices, especially in countries that rely heavily on imported energy and food products. The cereal price index rose by 5.1% compared to August, representing a 17.2% increase compared to September 2025. Wheat prices climbed by 6.3% compared to the previous month and 17.2% compared to the previous year, mainly due to Russian and Ukrainian strikes in the Black Sea, a key area for wheat exports from these countries. Additionally, dry weather in several regions of North America before planting contributed to the increase. Corn prices also rose by 5.6% compared to the previous month. The sugar price index increased by 6.1% compared to the previous month, marking a 14.7% increase compared to the previous year. This is the third consecutive monthly increase, reaching its highest level since April 2025. The sugar beet harvest in Europe is expected to be significantly lower due to the drought, while production forecasts for sugar in Thailand and sugar cane harvests in India are declining due to El Niño. Violent rains are disrupting the harvest in key regions of Brazil. Exceptions to this upward trend include the meat price index, which decreased by 1.1% compared to the previous month and remained stable compared to the previous year. The dairy product price index decreased by 0.1% compared to the previous month and by 19.1% compared to the previous year. Chicken prices are falling due to abundant exports from Brazil and a decline in demand in Europe, following the suspension of Brazilian imports in the EU, which is requiring assurances regarding compliance with its health regulations.