MUSCAT: According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the inflation rate in the Sultanate of Oman increased by one percent in February 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. This increase reflects the broader economic trends observed in the region and highlights changes in the cost of living for residents. The CPI is a key indicator used to track price changes for goods and services, offering valuable insights into inflationary pressures affecting the country’s economy.
The rise in inflation is largely attributed to higher prices in key sectors such as food, housing, and transportation. These sectors saw notable price increases, contributing to the overall higher cost of living. While the one percent increase may seem modest, it can have significant implications for households, particularly in terms of purchasing power and day-to-day expenses. The NCSI’s data provides a comprehensive breakdown of the price changes, offering a closer look at which goods and services are driving inflation.
Economic analysts point to both domestic and international factors influencing the inflationary trends. The global supply chain disruptions, along with fluctuating oil prices, are some of the external factors impacting the cost of imported goods. Domestically, the Omani government’s fiscal policies and the overall demand for goods and services are also playing a role in shaping the inflation rate. These combined factors make it challenging for authorities to control inflation entirely, despite their best efforts to manage it through monetary and fiscal measures.
Despite the increase in inflation, the Omani government remains committed to implementing policies aimed at stabilizing prices and supporting economic growth. Measures such as subsidies on basic goods and services, as well as investments in key infrastructure projects, are part of the government’s strategy to mitigate the impact of rising costs. Going forward, economic experts will closely monitor the inflation rate to determine whether this upward trend continues or if it will stabilize in the coming months.
