The index of food prices FAO at the end of September increased month-on-month by 5 points, or 2.9%, to 170,9 points. The price increase is primarily due to the appreciation of dairy products and sugar.

The price index for dairy products increased during the month by 21 points, or 13.8%, to 176 points. Prices rose for all types of dairy products included in the index, but especially of butter. Appreciation is due to the active domestic demand and the expected reduction in milk production in the EU. In addition, the index was impacted by weak production figures from the beginning of the dairy year in the Oceania region.

Sugar prices also rebounded in September to 19 points (6.7 percent), up to 304,8 points. The surge in sugar prices was due to unfavorable weather conditions in the Central and southern regions of Brazil, the world's leading producer and exporter of this product. Higher prices also contributed to the reports of decline in production in India, the second largest sugar producer in the world.

Prices for meat production in September was virtually unchanged compared with August, amounting to 163,5 points. Growth was observed in the cost of lamb, pork and poultry, while beef prices showed a slight increase.

The index of grain prices fell 2.7 points, or 1.9%, to 140,9 points. This is due to the increased supply of exports, a record wheat crop this year, as well as the expected recovery in rice production and crop growth for coarse grains, especially maize. Prices for oilseeds rose 2.9 points, or 1.7%, to 172 points. FAO explains such dynamics of growth of prices for palm, soy and canola oil.