Prices of Sugar, Vegetable Oils Cause Dip in Global Food Price Index

Prices of Sugar, Vegetable Oils Cause Dip in Global Food Price Index

  • Global prices of sugar, vegetable oils, and some other commodities have declined in January 2025
  • This drop has caused a dip in the global food price index, as seen in the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) index
  • Overall, the food price index is still higher than January 2024, even though there has been a slight decline from December 2024

Legit.ng journalist Ruth Okwumbu-Imafidon has over a decade of experience in business reporting across digital and mainstream media.

The international quote prices for vegetable oils and sugar have declined, leading to a dip in the global food price index.

The significant decreases in the international quotations for vegetable oils and sugar have caused a decline in the benchmark for world food commodity prices.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) food price index for January 2025 dropped about 1.6% from the level in December 2024, as seen on the FAO website.

Read also

OPEC predicts new fuel price in Nigeria as Dangote Refinery shares good news

Prices of Sugar, Vegetable oils cause a dip in global food price index
The decline in the price of these commodities have led to a slight drop in the global food index, month on month Photo credit: Sopa images/Monty Rakusen
Source: Getty Images

The food price index, which tracks monthly the price changes in the international quotation of some globally traded food commodities, also shows that while the global food index price is still 6.2% higher year-on-year, it is still about 6% below the peak attained in March 2022.

Vegetable oil and sugar prices decline

Based on the FAO data, vegetable oil prices declined 5.6% month on month, although they remained 24.9% higher year-on-year, according to ThisDay report.

This drop was influenced by a drop in the prices of palm and rapeseed oil. Other oils like Soy and sunflower oils maintained their prices.

For sugar price quotation, January 2025 saw a 6.8% drop compared to December 2024, and still 18.5% lower year-on-year.

The report attributes this drop to increased supply coming from India resuming sugar exports, and Brazil bringing improved output due to favourable weather.

The FAO Meat Price Index declined by 1.4% month on month as well, driven by lower prices of pig, ovine and poultry meat quotations.

Read also

Analysts explain how Trump’s energy policy can hinder Nigeria’s N19.6trn oil revenue

The cereal price index went up by 0.3% month on month but stayed about 6.9% lower, year-on-year.

The report shows also that Wheat export prices dropped a little, while maize prices increased, partly due to lower supply caused by the drop in production.

Recall that the Nigerian government is currently in talks to reduce food prices in the country, by increasing production and supply of agricultural produce.

Legit.ng did a report to show the top 10 states in Nigeria with the highest food inflation rate, where residents spend more to eat.

Food price index in Nigeria climbs higher

In related news, new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows an increase in the prices of rice, beans, garri, eggs, and others.

This implies that Nigerians paid more to buy food items in December 2024 compared to previous months.

Read also

Japan 2024 growth slows despite stronger fourth quarter

The situation cuts across Nigerians living in rural and urban areas, and the cost of living continues to shoot up due to food inflation.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ruth Okwumbu avatar

Ruth Okwumbu (Business Editor) Ruth Okwumbu-Imafidon is a business journalist with over a decade's experience. She holds both a Masters' and B.Sc. degrees Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Delta State University. Before joining Legit.ng, she has worked in reputable media including Nairametrics. She can be reached via ruth.okwumbu@corps.legit.ng