Food prices across the world have risen 50 percent over the past seven years, new global figures show.
The OECD’s latest inflation report, released this week, also showed that energy prices have lifted 70 percent over the same period.
Inflation across the OECD is continuing to rise off the back of energy price rises triggered by the latest Middle East conflict.
Figures released overnight show the average annual Consumer Price Index across 37 countries rose from 4.3 percent to 4.5 percent in September 2026.
Energy prices were up 17.4 percent in the year to September, up from 13.6 percent in August.
In contrast, food inflation eased slightly, declining by 0.2 percentage points, while core inflation (inflation less food and energy) remained broadly stable at 3.7 percent.
Average prices are now 40 percent higher than in 2019 levels.
“On average, food prices are almost 50 percent higher than before the pandemic, while energy prices are close to 70 percent higher,” the OECD report said.
“In the G7, year-on-year headline inflation increased to 3.5 percent in September, up from 3.1 percent in August.
“Headline inflation rose in all G7 countries except Canada, where it remained broadly stable.”
Across the broader G20, year-on-year headline inflation rose to 4.3 percent in September, up from 4.1 percent in August.
