Food prices in Libya increased by 18% in May 2026 compared with the same month a year earlier, according to the latest assessment by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which also forecasts a significant decline in the country’s grain production this year.
The FAO estimates that Libya will produce around 150,000 metric tons of cereals in 2026, approximately 20% below the average annual output recorded over the previous five years. The organization said its projections reflect current expectations for the performance of Libya’s agricultural sector and food markets during the year.
The report indicates that rising food prices and lower domestic crop production continue to pose challenges for food security. Reduced grain output is expected to increase Libya’s reliance on imports to meet local demand, particularly for staple commodities such as wheat and barley.
Libya imports the majority of its food requirements, making domestic markets highly sensitive to changes in global commodity prices, shipping costs, currency fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions.
Agricultural production also remains constrained by limited rainfall, recurring drought conditions, water scarcity, and underinvestment in irrigation and farming infrastructure.
Although cereals represent a relatively small share of Libya’s overall economy, they are essential to the country’s food supply. Wheat, in particular, is a strategic crop because it is used to produce bread and other staple foods consumed across the country. As a result, fluctuations in grain production often have a direct impact on food availability and consumer prices.
In recent years, Libyan authorities have launched initiatives to support agricultural development, improve irrigation systems, and encourage investment in domestic food production as part of broader efforts to strengthen food security and reduce dependence on imports. However, agricultural output continues to face structural challenges linked to climate conditions and limited resources.