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Rising Food Rates Squeeze Wallets as Global Prices Climb
Food price inflation is gripping many parts of the world, squeezing household budgets and adding pressure on policymakers to act. While the situation varies by country, the trend shows food costs rising faster than general inflation in several major economies.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Food Prices Outpace General Inflation
In the United States, the month-to-month data show the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all food rose 0.5% in August 2025, after being flat in July. The “food at home” segment (groceries) led the increase with a 0.6% rise, while food consumed away from home (e.g. restaurant meals) increased 0.3%.
Over the past 12 months, groceries have increased 2.7%, and restaurant/food service prices have climbed 3.9%.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service forecasts that in 2025:
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All food prices may rise around 3.0%,
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Food-at-home prices about 2.4%,
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Food-away-from-home around 3.9%.
Beef prices have been especially volatile. For instance, from July to August, beef and veal retail prices rose 2.7%, and year-over-year they are 13.9% higher. Pork prices were up 0.2% month-to-month and 1.2% year-over-year. In contrast, poultry saw a 0.4% decline month-to-month, but was still 1.7% higher year-over-year.
For eggs, after several months of declines, the price fell 0.2% from July to August but remains 10.9% higher than a year ago, largely due to the lingering effects of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak.
Global Trends & Regional Differences
Globally, the FAO’s Food Price Index (FFPI) averaged 128.8 points in September 2025, slightly down from 129.7 in August. Although that marks a small monthly drop, the index is 3.4% higher than in September 2024.
Interestingly, in Central and Eastern Europe, food prices surprised by coming in lower than expected, which helped ease inflationary pressures in the region.
Meanwhile, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) noted that despite rising food and energy costs, headline inflation remained stable in many member countries at around 4.1%, reflecting mixed trends across nations.
Why Are Food Rates Rising?
Several factors drive the surging food rates:
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Supply constraints: Drought, disease outbreaks (like HPAI in eggs), and climate shocks affect crop yields and livestock.
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Rising input costs: Fertilizer, energy, feed, fuel, and labour costs are increasing.
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Supply chain disruptions: Transportation, import costs, and logistical challenges push up the cost of getting food to market.
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Strong demand: In many markets, demand remains steady even as prices rise, which sustains upward pressure.
These combined forces have driven what economists sometimes call “agflation” — inflation concentrated in agricultural and food sectors.
Impact on Households & Policy Responses
Higher food rates hit lower-income households hardest, since a larger share of their income goes to essential food purchases. Many people respond by reducing portion sizes, switching to cheaper staples, or cutting back on non-essential food items.
Policymakers are cautious. Central banks must weigh rate changes carefully: raising interest rates can dampen inflation, but might slow broader economic growth. Cutting rates risks fueling inflation further. Trade policies, subsidies, and buffers in essential food supply chains are under renewed scrutiny.
In the U.S., meat price inflation has been a key driver. Steak prices alone were up 16.6% year-over-year in August 2025.
Meanwhile, global agencies and economists continue to watch FAO and regional food price indices for early warning signs.
Looking Ahead
Food prices appear likely to continue rising in 2025, though perhaps more slowly than during the sharp spikes of 2021–2022. The USDA forecast warns that beef prices could rise as much as 11.6% in 2025, while vegetables may remain stable or grow modestly.
Governments may respond with targeted support — for example, subsidies, food assistance programs, or strategic reserves — particularly for the most vulnerable populations.
If you like, I can prepare a version focused on Nigeria or Africa (with data like the Jollof Index) to make it more relevant for your region. Do you want me to do that?
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has convened a high-level security meeting with former governors and key stakeholders in a renewed effort to address the ongoing wave of violence in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the meeting comes amid fresh attacks in parts of Plateau State that have left several people dead and properties destroyed, worsening security concerns in the North-Central region.
The gathering follows recent violence in Anguwan Rukuba and nearby communities, where dozens of residents were reportedly killed, adding to years of recurring insecurity that has claimed many lives, including women and children.
The closed-door meeting, held at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, brought together former governors Simon Lalong, Jonah Jang, and Joshua Dariye, as well as former military administrator Rear Admiral Samuel Atukum (retd.) and other key stakeholders.
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Mutfwang said discussions focused on security, welfare, and the overall development of Plateau people, with special attention on the recent attacks in rural communities.
According to sources, participants reviewed the security situation and expressed deep concern over continued loss of lives and destruction of property.
The stakeholders reportedly agreed on a united approach to restoring peace, strengthening unity, and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.
They also resolved to develop stronger frameworks to address the root causes of the violence, anchored on values of discipline, courage, and patriotism.
The late Brigadier General Oseni Braimah was reportedly on a phone call with his twin brother moments before he was killed during a terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the incident, which occurred on April 9, 2026, claimed the lives of the senior officer and several other soldiers.
A family source told Vanguard that the General was speaking with his identical twin brother, who resides in the United Kingdom, at the time of the attack.
According to the source, the twins maintained a daily routine of speaking around midnight, but the conversation took a sudden turn that night when unusual activity was noticed at the General’s end.
He said the line went dead abruptly after the General paused during the call, apparently due to the unfolding situation at the base.
The twin brother reportedly made repeated attempts to reconnect, sending messages and calling continuously, but received no response throughout the night.
“He kept trying until about 4 am, but there was no answer,” the source said.
The family later confirmed the tragedy after a senior military officer contacted them around 6:30 am, informing them that the base had come under attack and that the Brigade Commander was among those killed.
The relative described the incident as devastating, noting that communication had broken down during the assault.
The late General was later buried alongside other fallen soldiers in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The founder of Omega Power Ministries, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, has suspended the planned marriage of his 21-year-old adopted daughter, Chiemeka Chibuzor, who is autistic, following an overwhelming number of applications from interested suitors.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the cleric announced the decision on Thursday via his social media page, stating that over 1,000 men had expressed interest in marrying her, prompting him to halt the process indefinitely.
He wrote, “Chiemeka Chibuzor’s wedding is hereby suspended. More than a thousand applications. No more wedding pending further directive from me.”
The cleric had earlier this week publicly invited proposals for her marriage, setting conditions that included the suitor being young and in good physical and mental health, alongside promised financial support and housing benefits.
He also said the couple would enjoy lifelong support, including shared property ownership and periodic welfare checks from church members.
The development follows a similar arrangement recently conducted by the church involving a non-verbal autistic man who was married in a ceremony organised by the ministry.
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