Oman Inflation Rate Edges Lower in September

Oman’s annual inflation rate eased to 3.2% in September 2026, down from 3.4% in August. Inflation slowed sharply in transport, falling to 4.8% from 8.5% in the previous month. Inflation remained at 2.2% for education, 1.7% for health, 0.4% for culture and entertainment, 0.1% for clothing and footwear, and 3.6% for restaurants and hotels. In contrast, price growth accelerated for food to 8% from 7% and furnishings to 3.3% from 3.1%, while housing and utilities prices edged up 0.1%, reversing a 0.6% decline in August. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.5% in September, following a 0.3% decline in the previous month.

Oman’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.4% in August 2026, up from 3.2% in July and reaching its highest level since May. The acceleration was driven primarily by a sharp increase in transport prices, which climbed 8.5% year-on-year, compared with 6.5% in July, as fuel costs rose amid higher crude prices and escalating US-Iran tensions. Additional upward pressure came from miscellaneous goods and services, where inflation accelerated to 6.1% from 5.3%. Meanwhile, food inflation eased slightly to 7.0% from 7.3% but remained elevated. Price growth was unchanged for restaurants and hotels at 3.6%, as well as for furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance at 3.1%. By contrast, housing and utilities prices fell for a second consecutive month, declining 0.6%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices decreased 0.3% in August, following a 0.7% increase in July.

Oman's annual inflation rose to 3.2% in July 2026, up from 2.8% in the prior month. Food inflation rose to 7.3% from 6.1%, while transport inflation increased to 6.5% from 5.5%. Prices also rose faster for recreation and culture (0.4% vs 0.3%). Meanwhile, inflation remained elevated for furnishings (3.1%) and education (2.2%), while housing and utilities costs continued to decline, falling 0.6%. In contrast, inflation eased for restaurants and hotels (3.6% vs 4.6%) and health (1.7% vs 1.8%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 0.7%, rebounding from a 0.6% decline in June.