MUSCAT, OMAN / RankWire.AI / – Oman’s yearly inflation figure climbed to 3.4% in August 2026, reflecting increased costs in transport, food, and various service sectors. This percentage surpasses the 3.2% recorded in July, indicating a continuous upward trend in annual consumer price growth. For the first eight months of 2026, the average inflation rate stood at 2.9%. The National Centre for Statistics and Information published these data points as part of its August consumer price index report.
Transport experienced the most significant year-on-year increase among the main consumer categories, rising by 8.5% from August 2025. Meanwhile, food and non-alcoholic beverages grew 7%, and miscellaneous personal goods and services increased 6.1%. Prices at restaurants and hotels went up by 3.6%, while furniture, household equipment, and routine maintenance saw a 3.1% rise. Education costs increased by 2.2%, healthcare expenses rose 1.7%, and culture and recreation prices edged higher by 0.4% over the same period.
Clothing and footwear prices saw a modest increase of 0.1%, whereas communication and tobacco prices remained steady. Conversely, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels experienced a decline of 0.6%, making that category the only primary group to fall. The August data revealed varied price movements across the consumer basket, with transport and food accounting for the most considerable gains. Additionally, inflation rates differed across Oman’s governorates, with annual figures ranging from 2.1% to 4.8%.
Transport and Food Prices Propel Yearly Inflation
In August, Al Dhahirah registered the highest governorate inflation rate at 4.8%. Muscat followed closely with 3.9%, with Al Dakhiliyah recording 3.8% and Al Wusta at 3.4%. Both Musandam and Al Buraimi each noted 3.3%, while South Al Sharqiyah reached 3.1%. Other governorates such as South Al Batinah, North Al Batinah, and North Al Sharqiyah reported rates of 2.7%, 2.5%, and 2.2% respectively. These figures reflect annual price changes in each region.
Dhofar registered the lowest inflation at 2.1%. Within the food and non-alcoholic beverages segment, vegetables experienced the largest annual rise, increasing by 19% from August 2025. Fruit prices jumped 16.3%, while meat costs increased 9.8%, and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 3.5%. Other food items saw a 3.1% increase, with milk, cheese, and eggs climbing 3%. The data clearly indicate that fresh produce saw some of the sharpest food price escalations.
Vegetables and Fruits Exhibit Largest Food Price Gains
Sugar, jam, honey, and sweets increased by 2.3%, with bread and cereals going up 0.8%. Oils and fats saw a marginal rise of 0.1%, whereas fish prices decreased slightly by 0.1% compared to the previous year. The detailed food sector breakdown reveals that vegetables, fruits, and meat experienced considerably higher price jumps than other grocery categories. These variations contributed to the overall 7% yearly increase within the food and non-alcoholic beverages group as measured by the August consumer price index.
The August statistics extend the recent pattern of rising inflation in Oman, following the 3.2% figure in July. In that month, food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 7.3%, while transport prices went up 6.5% year-on-year. By August, transport inflation had strengthened to 8.5%, whereas food inflation eased slightly to 7%. Data from the NCSI indicate an average inflation rate of 2.9% from January through August, providing a comprehensive view of consumer price dynamics for 2026.
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