Al Dhahirah Leads Oman in Inflation; North Al Sharqiyah Lowest

Oman's Al Dhahirah Governorate experienced the highest inflation rate in June 2026, reaching 3.5 percent, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). In contrast, North Al Sharqiyah Governorate recorded the lowest inflation rate nationwide at 1.9 percent.

Nationally, consumer prices in Oman saw a 2.8 percent increase in June compared to the same month in the previous year. This marks a slowdown from the 3.8 percent inflation recorded in May 2026. The NCSI data highlights a varied inflation landscape across the country's governorates, with Muscat following Al Dhahirah with 3.2 percent, Al Dakhiliyah at 3.1 percent, and Al Wusta at 3.0 percent.

The primary driver behind the overall price surge was a significant increase in food costs. The food and non-alcoholic beverages group experienced the highest year-on-year rise at 6.1 percent. Other groups contributing to inflation included miscellaneous personal goods and services (5.7 percent), transport (5.5 percent), and restaurants and hotels (4.6 percent). Prices for furniture, furnishings, and household equipment also rose by 3.1 percent.

Conversely, some sectors saw more modest price increases or even decreases. The education group's prices rose by 2.2 percent, and health by 1.8 percent. Prices for culture and entertainment increased by 0.3 percent. Notably, prices for communications, tobacco, clothing, and footwear remained unchanged compared to June of the previous year. The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels group even saw a decrease of 0.6 percent.