MUSCAT: Oman’s average inflation rose by 0.8 percent from January to August 2025, according to data released by the National Center for Statistics and Information. The ‘Miscellaneous Goods and Services’ group saw the highest increase at 6.0 percent, followed by ‘Transport’ at 2.7 percent, and ‘Restaurants and Hotels’ at 2.5 percent. Health-related costs increased by 0.8 percent, clothing and footwear by 0.4 percent, and education by 0.1 percent. Conversely, the ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ category decreased by 1.8 percent, while ‘Culture and Recreation’ and ‘Furnishings, Household Equipment, and Routine Maintenance’ saw minor declines of 0.2 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively.
Within the food and beverages category, several sub-groups experienced notable changes in August 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. ‘Food products not elsewhere classified’ led with a 3.7 percent rise, followed by ‘Sugar, Jam, Honey, and Confectionery’ at 3.2 percent, and ‘Oils and Fats’ at 2.2 percent. Other increases included ‘Milk, Cheese, and Eggs’ at 1.1 percent, ‘Meat’ at 0.6 percent, ‘Bread and Cereals’ at 0.3 percent, and ‘Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ at 0.2 percent. In contrast, prices for ‘Vegetables’ dropped sharply by 14.6 percent, while ‘Fruits’ and ‘Fish and Seafood’ declined by 3.1 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively.
At the governorate level, Al Dhahirah recorded the highest inflation at 1.1 percent, followed by Al Dakhiliyah at 1.0 percent, and Muscat at 0.6 percent. Al Buraimi reached 0.4 percent, Musandam 0.3 percent, while North and South Al Batinah and South Al Sharqiyah recorded 0.2 percent each. Al Wusta and Dhofar saw minimal increases of 0.1 percent, and North Al Sharqiyah remained unchanged. These variations reflect regional differences in demand, local consumption patterns, and price fluctuations in essential goods and services across the Sultanate.
The data illustrates the mixed impact of inflation on different categories, highlighting sectors where consumers face higher costs versus areas with declining or stable prices. Policymakers and economic analysts can use this information to monitor trends, identify drivers of inflation, and implement targeted measures to manage price stability. Overall, while some sectors experienced significant price hikes, the overall average inflation remained moderate, reflecting a balanced economic environment amidst global and local market dynamics.
