Jordan Inflation Hits Over 3-Year High

The inflation rate in Jordan accelerated to 2.83% yoy in May 2026, the highest since April 2023, from 2.49% in April, driven primarily by higher fuel prices. The country raised fuel prices by 11% in April, the first increase since the Middle East conflict began, and partially adjusted fuel prices in May. Transportation costs were the main contributors to May inflation, accounting for 1.23 percentage points, as prices rose 7.69%, accelerating sharply from a 3.32% gain in April. Housing prices also increased at a faster pace (3.33% vs 2.97%). Meanwhile, inflation moderated for health (0.35% vs 0.60%), communication (2.39% vs 2.40%), recreation and culture (0.68% vs 1.55%), and food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.15% vs 2.45%), while alcoholic beverages and tobacco remained steady at 3.98%, and household furnishings and equipment were nearly unchanged at 0.01%. By contrast, prices fell for clothing (-0.25% vs 0.50%) and restaurants (-0.08% vs 1.31%). Monthly, the CPI rose 0.55% in May.

The inflation rate in Jordan accelerated to 2.49% year-on-year in April 2026 from 1.87% in March, marking the highest level since April 2023 and driven primarily by higher fuel prices. The country raised fuel prices by 11% in April, the first increase since the Middle East conflict began, pushing transportation costs up 3.32% after a 0.91% fall in March. Other categories also rose at a faster pace, including housing (2.97% vs 2.67% in March), health (0.60% vs 0.52%), restaurants and hotels (1.31% vs 0.44%), communication (2.40% vs 2.38%), and recreation and culture (1.55% vs 1.48%). Clothing and footwear climbed 0.50% after being flat in March, while alcoholic beverages and tobacco remained steady at 3.98%. By contrast, inflation eased in food and non-alcoholic beverages (2.45% vs 3.05%) and education (2.70% vs 2.77%), while household furnishings and equipment were unchanged after rising 0.16% in March. Monthly, CPI rose 0.70% in April, easing slightly from a 0.76% increase in March.

The inflation rate in Jordan accelerated to 1.87% year-on-year in March 2026 from 1.17% in the previous month, marking the highest level since October. Inflation accelerated for food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.05% vs 0.63% in February), housing and utilities (2.67% vs 2.55%), health (0.52% vs 0.49%), restaurants and hotels (0.44% vs 0.43%), and communication (2.38% vs 2.31%), while household furnishings and equipment rose 0.16% after a flat reading in February. Meanwhile, inflation remained steady for alcoholic beverages and tobacco (at 3.98%) and education (at 2.77%). At the same time, inflation eased for recreation and culture (1.48% vs 1.58%), while consumer prices were flat in clothing and footwear after rising 1.11% in February. By contrast, prices fell further for transportation (-0.91% vs -1.48%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.76% in March, accelerating from a 0.22% increase in the preceding period and marking the fastest pace since June 2022.