Oman’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.8 percent in May 2026, driven primarily by increases in transport, food, and personal service costs, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The consumer price index (CPI) showed a year-on-year increase of 3.8 percent compared to May 2025. The average inflation rate for the first five months of 2026 stood at 2.8 percent. Among the various categories tracked, miscellaneous goods and services saw the steepest rise, climbing 9.6 percent over the past year. Transport costs followed closely with a 9.2 percent increase, while food and beverages rose by 6.6 percent.

Other sectors also contributed to the overall inflation. Prices for restaurants and hotels increased by 4.7 percent, and costs related to furniture, household equipment, and maintenance services went up by 3.1 percent. Education expenses rose 2.2 percent, and health-related costs saw a modest increase of 1.8 percent. Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels were the only major category to experience a slight decline, falling 0.3 percent compared to the previous year.

Within the food sector, vegetable prices surged significantly by 24.9 percent. Prices for fruits increased by 16.7 percent, while meat prices rose 5.1 percent. Other food items also reflected inflationary trends, with beverages up 3.6 percent, milk, cheese, and eggs rising 2.6 percent, sugar, honey, jam, and confectionery increasing 2.5 percent, and bread and cereals advancing 1 percent.

Inflation levels varied across Oman’s governorates. Al Dhahirah recorded the highest inflation rate at 4.8 percent, followed by Al Dakhiliyah at 4.4 percent and Muscat at 4.2 percent. Al Buraimi reported 3.9 percent inflation, with Al Wusta at 3.5 percent. Both Al Batinah South and Musandam registered increases of 3.4 percent. Al Sharqiyah North and South saw inflation rates of 3.2 percent, while Al Batinah North and Dhofar had the lowest inflation at 2.3 percent.

The data indicate that rising costs in food and transportation continue to exert upward pressure on consumer prices in Oman, whereas housing-related expenses have remained relatively stable over the past year.