MUSCAT: Oman’s import price index for recent months reflected a complex picture with both increases and declines across various commodity groups. The rise was primarily driven by a 13 percent surge in oils, fats, and waxes, followed by a 9.6 percent increase in machinery and transportation equipment, and a 4.8 percent uptick in food and live animals. Miscellaneous manufactured goods also saw a moderate 3.5 percent increase, highlighting pockets of growth in specific sectors despite broader fluctuations. Analysts noted that these increases were largely influenced by global supply-demand dynamics and sector-specific price pressures.
Conversely, several categories faced significant price reductions, creating a contrasting trend within the overall import landscape. Mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials recorded a sharp decline of 20.6 percent, while inedible raw materials excluding fuels dropped 10.7 percent. Chemicals and related materials decreased by 4.8 percent, beverages and tobacco fell by 2.9 percent, and manufactured goods declined 2.6 percent. These drops are indicative of both international price corrections and adjustments in Omani demand patterns, reflecting the volatility and sensitivity of import-dependent sectors to global market movements.
When compared to the first quarter of 2025, the general import price index fell by 3.4 percent, driven primarily by steep declines in non-edible raw materials (-28 percent), mineral fuels and lubricants (-25.7 percent), and machinery and transport equipment (-5.7 percent). Food and live animals saw a marginal dip of 0.2 percent. Experts point out that these decreases are partially linked to global commodity price adjustments, currency fluctuations, and improved supply chain efficiencies, all of which have contributed to lower overall import costs in several critical sectors.
Despite the overall quarterly declines, several groups posted gains, reflecting nuanced sectoral performance. Beverages and tobacco surged by 15.3 percent, miscellaneous manufactured goods rose 13.3 percent, chemicals increased 2.5 percent, and manufactured goods recorded a 2.4 percent increase. Oils, fats, and waxes also posted a slight 0.2 percent uptick. This mixed trend highlights that while some sectors experienced cost relief, others faced persistent price pressures, underscoring the need for careful monitoring and adaptive trade and procurement strategies in Oman’s import-dependent economy.
