Oman Inflation Rises 3.8% in May: What It Means for Investors and Business Owners
MUSCAT: Oman’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 3.8 percent in May 2026, driven primarily by rising costs in transport, food, and personal services, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 3.8 percent compared to May 2025. Meanwhile, the average inflation rate for the first five months of 2026 stood at 2.8 percent.
The largest sectoral increase was seen in miscellaneous goods and services, which surged by 9.6 percent year-on-year. Transport costs followed with a 9.2 percent rise, and prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 6.6 percent.
Increases were also recorded in restaurants and hotels (4.7 percent), furniture and household equipment and maintenance services (3.1 percent), education (2.2 percent), and health-related expenses (1.8 percent).
The only major category to show a decline was housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which decreased slightly by 0.3 percent compared to the previous year.
Food prices remained a significant factor in inflationary pressures. Vegetable prices climbed sharply by 24.9 percent, fruits rose by 16.7 percent, and meat prices increased by 5.1 percent. Non-alcoholic beverages saw a 3.6 percent rise, while milk, cheese, and eggs increased by 2.6 percent. Sugar, honey, jam, and confectionery prices grew by 2.5 percent, and bread and cereals rose by 1 percent.
Inflation rates varied by governorate, with Al Dhahirah experiencing the highest inflation at 4.8 percent, followed by Al Dakhiliyah at 4.4 percent and Muscat at 4.2 percent. Al Buraimi reported a 3.9 percent increase, Al Wusta 3.5 percent, South Al Batinah and Musandam both 3.4 percent, North and South Al Sharqiyah 3.2 percent, and North Al Batinah and Dhofar the lowest at 2.3 percent.
The current data highlights that food and transport costs continue to drive upward pressure on consumer prices, despite the relative stability in housing-related expenses. — ONA
تحلیل ویژه از عمانت | بازار عمان را کشف کنید
Oman’s inflation surge to 3.8% signals intensified cost pressures, particularly in food and transport sectors, which could squeeze consumer spending and operational budgets for businesses. سرمایهگذاران و کارآفرینان هوشمند باید prioritize sectors resilient to inflation, such as housing and utilities, while exploring opportunities in value-driven food supply chains and transport efficiency solutions. Proactive strategies to manage rising input costs and regional inflation disparities will be essential for sustained profitability.
