Oman's Consumer Price Index Rises 3.8% in May 2026

The General Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the Sultanate of Oman rose by 3.8 percent in May 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, using 2018 as the base year. The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) issued the data, indicating a notable increase in consumer prices across the country. This upward trend reflects changes in the cost of goods and services impacting Omani households, signaling inflationary pressures within the economy.

Inflation Drivers by Category

The miscellaneous personal goods and services group recorded the highest price increases, climbing by 9.6 percent. This category, encompassing a wide array of personal care items and other services, saw the most significant surge. Following this, the transport group experienced a significant rise of 9.2 percent, reflecting increased costs associated with transportation. Prices within the food and non-alcoholic beverages group increased by 6.6 percent, indicating higher expenses for essential household staples. The restaurants and hotels group ranked fourth among categories with a notable rise, showing a 4.7 percent increase, suggesting elevated costs for dining out and accommodation.

The furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance group saw prices go up by 3.1 percent. Education costs increased by 2.2 percent, impacting families with schooling expenses. Meanwhile, the health group registered an 1.8 percent rise in prices, reflecting growing costs in medical services and products. The recreation and culture group experienced a more modest increase of 0.3 percent, indicating relatively stable prices for leisure activities.

Conversely, prices for the clothing and footwear group, the communication group, and the tobacco group remained stable during the period, showing no significant inflationary movement. The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels group recorded a decrease of 0.3 percent, offering a slight reprieve in essential utility costs. Within the food and non-alcoholic beverages category, vegetables led the price increases, rising by 24.9 percent in May 2026 compared to May 2025, a substantial jump for this dietary staple. Fruits also saw a substantial increase of 16.7 percent over the same period, contributing significantly to the overall food inflation.

Governorate-Specific Inflation Trends

Inflation rates varied across Oman's governorates by the end of May 2026, compared to the previous year. Al Dhahirah Governorate registered the highest increase, with inflation at 4.8 percent, indicating a more pronounced rise in consumer prices in this region. Following this, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate experienced an inflation increase of 4.4 percent. Muscat Governorate, the nation's capital, recorded a 4.2 percent rise in inflation.

Al Buraimi Governorate saw its inflation increase by 3.9 percent. Al Wusta Governorate's inflation rate reached 3.5 percent. South Al Batinah and Musandam governorates both recorded an inflation increase of 3.4 percent, showing similar inflationary pressures. North Al Sharqiyah and South Al Sharqiyah governorates reported an inflation rate of 3.2 percent. North Al Batinah and Dhofar governorates showed the lowest increases among the reported regions, with inflation rising by 2.3 percent, suggesting a comparatively milder impact of price hikes in these areas.

Broader Economic Context

The average inflation rate during the period from January to May 2026 increased by 2.8 percent, providing a broader perspective on the year-to-date price changes. Within specific food categories, meat prices climbed by 5.1 percent in May 2026 compared to May 2025. Non-alcoholic beverages saw a 3.6 percent rise, while milk, cheese, and eggs increased by 2.6 percent. Prices for sugar, jam, honey, and sweets rose by 2.5 percent, and food products not classified elsewhere went up by 1.9 percent. Bread and cereals experienced a 1 percent increase. Oils and fats witnessed an increase of 0.8 percent, and fish and seafood prices rose by 0.3 percent during the same period, completing the detailed breakdown of food price movements.