Muscat: According to the latest consumer price index data from the National Center for Statistics and Information, key sectors such as transportation, restaurants and hotels, clothing and footwear, communications, and education reported decreases ranging from 0.1 to 2.6 per cent. This indicates a general easing of prices in essential areas.

Conversely, the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 1.1 per cent, as well as miscellaneous goods and services by 3.1 per cent. Fruit prices increased by 3.1 per cent, milk, cheese, and eggs by 4.2 per cent, and vegetables by 5.2 per cent. However, fish prices decreased by 9.9 per cent.

Regionally, the Muscat Governorate saw a modest 0.3 per cent decrease in inflation compared to the previous year, while Al Dakhiliyah experienced a 0.2 per cent decrease. In contrast, North Al Sharqiyah witnessed a 0.9 per cent increase in inflation rates.

Other governorates reported varied inflation trends, with Al Wusta and Dhofar each recording a 0.5 per cent increase, Al Buraimi and Al Dhahirah with a 0.4 per cent increase, and Musandam, South Al Batinah, North Al Batinah, and South Al Sharqiyah with increases ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 per cent.