Beirut:Global food prices reached their highest level in nearly four years in September, with significant increases reported in key commodities.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, the Food Importers' Syndicate President, Hani Bohsali, highlighted a 6.1% rise in sugar, a 5.1% increase in cereals, and a 0.9% uptick in vegetable oils.

Bohsali assured Lebanese consumers that such price fluctuations are normal and do not necessarily indicate a global food crisis. However, he cautioned that a potentially strong El Niño weather pattern expected in 2026-2027, along with geopolitical developments around the Strait of Hormuz affecting fertilizer production and costs, could continue to exert upward pressure on food prices in the coming months.