MUSCAT: Inflation in the Sultanate of Oman accelerated to 2.8 per cent in June from a year earlier, driven mainly by higher food, transport and services costs, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
Average inflation during the first six months of 2026 also stood at 2.8 per cent.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages recorded the largest annual increase among the main consumer price index groups, rising by 6.1 per cent compared with June 2025.
Miscellaneous goods and services increased by 5.7 per cent, followed by transport at 5.5 per cent, restaurants and hotels at 4.6 per cent and furniture, household equipment and routine household maintenance at 3.1 per cent.
Education prices rose by 2.2 per cent, while healthcare costs increased by 1.8 per cent. Recreation and culture recorded a marginal rise of 0.3 per cent.
Prices for communications, tobacco, clothing and footwear were unchanged from a year earlier, while housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels fell 0.6 per cent.
Within the food category, vegetable prices recorded the sharpest increase, rising by 23.6 per cent year on year, followed by fruit at 9.9 per cent and meat at 7.3 per cent.
Prices of non-alcoholic beverages increased 3.6 per cent, while milk, cheese and eggs rose by 2.9 per cent.
Sugar, jam, honey and confectionery prices climbed 2.2 per cent, other food products increased 2 per cent, bread and cereals rose 0.9 per cent and oils and fats edged up 0.5 per cent.
Fish prices were the only major food category to decline, falling 1.7 per cent compared with June 2025.
Among the governorates, Al Dhahirah recorded the highest annual inflation rate at 3.5 per cent, followed by Muscat at 3.2 per cent, Al Dakhiliyah at 3.1 per cent, Al Wusta at 3.0 per cent and Al Buraimi at 2.9 per cent.
Inflation reached 2.4 per cent in Musandam and Al Batinah South, 2.2 per cent in Dhofar and 2.1 per cent in both Al Batinah North and Al Sharqiyah South. Al Sharqiyah North recorded the lowest inflation rate at 1.9 per cent. — ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
