MUSCAT : The data reveals a broad increase in prices across various categories. While the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages surged by 4.5 percent, miscellaneous goods and services saw a 3.1 percent increase. Health-related costs rose by 2.4 percent, and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels experienced a 1.7 percent increase. Additionally, prices in the culture and entertainment sector went up by 0.8 percent, restaurants and hotels by 0.6 percent, and clothing and footwear as well as furniture, household equipment, and routine home maintenance each saw a 0.3 percent rise.

Conversely, the transportation sector saw a 1.7 percent decrease, education costs fell by 0.4 percent, and prices in the tobacco and communications sectors remained stable.

Within the food and non-alcoholic beverages category, several items saw significant price increases. Vegetables rose by 20 percent, fruits by 7.6 percent, and milk, cheese, and eggs by 4.7 percent. Meat prices increased by 2.2 percent, while sugar, jam, honey, and sweets went up by 2 percent. Fish and seafood prices rose by 1.8 percent, food overall by 1.6 percent, oils and fats by 1.3 percent, non-alcoholic beverages by 1 percent, and bread and grains by 0.7 percent.

Regionally, North Al Sharqiyah Governorate recorded the highest inflation rate at 2.3 percent at the end of July 2024 compared to the same period the previous year. South Al Sharqiyah followed with a 2.2 percent increase, while Musandam and Al Wusta Governorates saw a 2.1 percent rise. Inflation rates also rose by 2 percent in North Al Batinah, 1.7 percent in Dhofar, 1.6 percent in South Al Batinah and Al Buraimi, 1.5 percent in Al Dhahirah, 1.3 percent in Al Dakhiliyah, and 1.2 percent in Muscat Governorate.

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