ONA: The inflation rate in Oman increased by 0.5% in November 2024 compared to the same month in 2023, according to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
The data, based on the 2018 Consumer Price Index, indicated an increase in the prices of various goods and services.
Prices of personal goods and services rose by 5.5%, while health services saw an increase of 3.2%. Food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 1.9%, and cultural and recreational services rose by 0.7%. Similarly, the restaurant and hotel sector experienced a 0.7% increase, and clothing and footwear prices went up by 0.5%. Furniture, household equipment and maintenance costs increased by 0.3%, while education costs rose by 0.1%. On the other hand, transportation costs fell by 2.8% and prices for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels remained stable, as did those for communications and tobacco.
Within the food and non-alcoholic beverage category, vegetable prices surged by 11%, followed by dairy products, cheese and eggs at 5.4%, fruits at 4.7%, and oils and fats at 2.4%. Sugar, jam, honey and sweets increased by 2.4%, meat prices went up by 2%, and other uncategorised food products rose by 1.7%. Non-alcoholic beverages saw a modest increase of 0.1%. In contrast, fish and seafood prices dropped by 10.4%, and bread and cereals fell by 0.5%.
The highest inflation rate at the end of November 2024 was recorded in Musandam Governorate, where the index increased by 1.4%. The inflation rate also rose by 1.2% in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, 0.9% in Al Wusta Governorate, and 0.6% in Al Buraimi Governorate. Inflation in Muscat Governorate, Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, Al Dhahirah Governorate, and Al Dakhiliyah Governorate stood at 0.5%, while it was 0.4% in Dhofar Governorate and 0.2% in Al Batinah North Governorate. In contrast, Al Batinah South Governorate experienced a decrease of 0.3%.
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