January Inflation Rises 1.4% in Oman: What Investors and Business Owners Need to Know
MUSCAT: Oman’s general consumer price index (CPI) increased by 1.4 percent in January 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, based on the 2018 base year, according to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
The most significant rise was seen in the miscellaneous personal goods and services category, which surged by 13.2 percent. This was followed by increases in the restaurants and hotels sector at 5.9 percent, furniture, furnishings and household maintenance at 2.6 percent, education at 2.2 percent, health at 1.7 percent, food and non-alcoholic beverages at 0.9 percent, and clothing and footwear at 0.1 percent. Conversely, the transport group experienced a decline of 1.4 percent.
Prices for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, as well as culture and entertainment, tobacco, and communications, remained stable with no change.
Within the food and non-alcoholic beverages category, notable changes included a 5.2 percent increase in fruit prices, 3.3 percent rise in sugar, jam, honey, and sweets, and 2.0 percent increases in both meat and dairy products. Other food items rose by 1.7 percent, oils and fats by 0.7 percent, soft beverages by 0.5 percent, and bread and cereals by 0.4 percent. Meanwhile, fish prices decreased by 5.4 percent, and vegetable prices fell by 1.4 percent.
Regionally, Al Dhahirah Governorate recorded the highest inflation rate at 2.3 percent, followed by Muscat at 1.9 percent, Al Buraimi at 1.8 percent, Al Dakhiliyah at 1.5 percent, and Al Batinah South at 1.3 percent. Al Sharqiyah South and Musandam both saw a 1.0 percent rise, while Dhofar and Al Batinah North registered increases of 0.4 percent. The lowest inflation rates were recorded in Al Sharqiyah North and Al Wusta, each with a 0.3 percent increase. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The 1.4% rise in Oman’s consumer price index indicates moderate inflation pressures, particularly in personal goods and hospitality, signaling increased operational costs for businesses in these sectors. Smart investors should consider diversifying into sectors less affected by inflation, such as transport, which saw a price decline, or stable housing and utilities. Entrepreneurs could explore innovative solutions to manage rising costs and capitalize on regional variations in inflation for targeted market entry or expansion.
