The inflation rate in Oman rose by 0.4 percent in April 2024 compared to April 2023, according to the latest consumer price index (CPI) data from the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The CPI data reveals notable changes in various sectors, impacting the cost of living for residents across the Sultanate.
Prices vary in key sectors
The NCSI data revealed an increase of 4.2 percent in the prices of the various personal goods and services groups. Notably, the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages saw a 2.8 percent increase, while tobacco prices rose 2.4 percent. The data also revealed a 0.4 percent increase in culture and entertainment, and a 0.3 percent increase in restaurant and hotel prices. Finally, Oman’s inflation data revealed a 0.2 percent increase in the prices of clothing and footwear in April.
Oman’s inflation data also highlights notable decreases in prices during April, with cost of transportation declining by 3 percent. In addition, education prices declined 0.4 percent while prices of furniture, household supplies, equipment and maintenance saw a 0.2 percent decline. Furthermore, communications declined by 0.2 percent while prices of the remaining groups remained stable.
Regional inflation variations
Oman’s inflation data highlights the variation in inflation rates regionally with the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate recording the largest increase of 1.4 percent. Meanwhile, inflation in Al Wusta Governorate rose by 1.3 percent and in the Dhofar Governorate by 1.1 percent.
Moreover, the inflation rate in the Musandam Governorate increased by 1 percent, in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate by 0.9 percent, and in Buraimi and North Al Batinah Governorates by 0.7 percent. In Al Dhahirah Governorate, inflation saw a 0.6 percent increase while Al Dakhiliyah Governorate saw a 0.2 percent increase. Notably, Oman’s CPI report highlights that inflation in the Muscat Governorate stabilized during April.
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