MUSCAT: Oman’s Producer Price Index (PPI) declined by 3.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the corresponding period of last year, reflecting weaker prices in the hydrocarbons sector despite continued gains in manufacturing and mineral-related activities.
According to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the decline was primarily driven by an 11.3 per cent fall in prices within the mining and quarrying sector. The drop was largely attributed to a sharp 11.6 per cent decrease in crude oil and natural gas prices, underscoring the sector’s continued influence on overall producer price trends.
In contrast, mineral-related activities recorded positive growth during the quarter. Prices of mineral raw materials rose by 17.8 per cent, while stone and sand products registered a modest increase of 0.5 per cent, reflecting steady demand across construction and industrial segments.
The manufacturing sector emerged as a key source of resilience, posting an 8.3 per cent increase in producer prices. The growth was led by an 11.3 per cent rise in prices of other transportable goods, while metal products, machinery and equipment advanced by 6.2 per cent. Prices for food products, beverages and textiles also increased by 1.8 per cent.
Meanwhile, water production prices declined by 4.3 per cent during the period, whereas electricity production remained largely stable, recording only marginal changes.
The latest figures highlight the contrasting performance of Oman’s productive sectors, with lower energy prices exerting downward pressure on the overall index even as manufacturing and mineral industries continued to strengthen. — ONA
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