The number: The FAO Food Price Index has reached a new 23-month high, standing at 130.7 index points as of 2026-04-01. This is the highest level since 130.0 in 2024. The index, which is based on a baseline of 2014-2016=100, is a key indicator of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities. The increase in the index is driven by a combination of factors, including weather-related events, geopolitical tensions, and changes in global demand. The FFPI has been steadily rising over the past few months, with the index increasing by 2.5 points from 128.2 in March to 130.7 in April. ## The mechanism: The FAO Food Price Index is a composite index, comprising five commodity group price indices: meat (20%), dairy (20%), cereals (30%), oils (15%), and sugar (15%). The FFPI uses a Laspeyres price index formula, which means that it is based on a fixed basket of commodities and a fixed set of weights. This approach allows for the calculation of a weighted average price index, which can be used to track changes in the prices of the underlying commodities over time. The 130.7 index level indicates a 3.5% increase in the average price of the commodities included in the index, compared to the same period last year. ## The outlook: Looking ahead, several factors will influence the trajectory of the FAO Food Price Index. Some key things to watch include: The impact of weather-related events on crop yields and commodity prices, such as the recent [drought](https://www.fao.org) in the United States, which has affected [wheat](https://www.fao.org) production The evolution of geopolitical tensions and their effects on trade flows and commodity prices, particularly with regard to wheat exports from Ukraine The development of global demand for food commodities, particularly in [emerging markets](https://www.fao.org) where consumption patterns are changing rapidly The response of policymakers to the rising food prices, including potential policy interventions to stabilize the markets Sources: FAO