MUSCAT: Inflation in the Sultanate of Oman rose by 3.2 per cent in April 2026 compared to the same month last year, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
The data showed that the average inflation rate during the January-April 2026 period increased by 2.6 per cent, reflecting continued upwards pressure on consumer prices across several key sectors.
The miscellaneous personal goods and services category recorded the highest increase at 9.2 per cent, followed by food and beverages at 6.2 per cent and transportation at 6 per cent. Restaurants and hotels registered a 4.5 per cent rise, while furniture, household equipment and maintenance services increased by 3 per cent. Education costs were up by 2.2 per cent.
Health-related prices rose by 1.8 per cent, while culture and entertainment recorded a modest increase of 0.2 per cent. Meanwhile, prices remained unchanged in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, as well as clothing and footwear, communications and tobacco.
Within the food and beverages category, vegetables posted the sharpest rise at 25 per cent, followed by fruits at 11.6 per cent and fish and seafood at 6.1 per cent.
Meat prices increased by 3.7 per cent, while beverages rose by 3.4 per cent. Sugar, jam, honey and sweets recorded a 3 per cent increase, while milk, cheese and eggs were up by 2.5 per cent. Bread and cereals, along with other food products, each increased by 1.6 per cent, while oils and fats edged up by 0.9 per cent.
Regionally, Al Dhahirah Governorate recorded the highest inflation rate at 4.4 per cent. Al Dakhiliyah and Muscat Governorates followed with increases of 3.7 per cent, while Al Buraimi registered 3.5 per cent.
Al Wusta Governorate recorded a 3 per cent increase, followed by Musandam Governorate at 2.9 per cent and Al Batinah South Governorate at 2.6 per cent. Al Sharqiyah North and South Governorates each recorded inflation of 2.5 per cent, while Al Batinah North and Dhofar Governorates posted the lowest increase at 1.9 per cent. — ONA
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