The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks the international prices of cereals, vegetable oils, meat, sugar, and dairy products, averaged 127.2 points. It marks a halt in the decline of basic food prices, which had reached peaks following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The dairy index stood at 146.9 points, its second highest level since 2008, while the meat index reached a record 123.2 points. In Sub-Saharan Africa, vegetable oils are the second most imported product category after cereals. For the current year, observers estimate that price tensions could continue, with sustained pressure expected for vegetable oils.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 12, 2026 22:47 UTC