logo
Oman's inflation in June rises by 0.82%

Oman's inflation in June rises by 0.82%

Zawya3 days ago
Muscat: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the Sultanate of Oman rose by 0.82 percent in June 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
The data showed that the personal goods and miscellaneous services group topped the groups with the highest increase, at 7.45 percent, followed by the transportation group at 3.12 percent, and then the restaurants and hotels group at 1.39 percent.
Statistics showed that health group prices rose by 0.76 percent, clothing and footwear prices by 0.6 percent, education prices rose by 0.07 percent, and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel prices saw a slight increase of 0.02 percent.
In contrast, prices of the food and non-alcoholic beverages group decreased by 0.59 percent, and the furniture, household equipment, and maintenance group decreased by 0.25 percent. Prices of the culture and entertainment group decreased by 0.02 percent, and the tobacco group decreased slightly by 0.01 percent. Meanwhile, prices of the communications group remained stable without any change.
Regarding food and non-alcoholic beverage prices in June 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, a number of subgroups increased.
The food products group not classified as another item topped the list of increases, with a 3.83 percent increase, followed by the sugar, jam, honey, and sweets group, which rose by 3.31 percent, and the milk, cheese, and eggs group, which rose by 1.84 percent.
The prices of the oils and fats group also rose by 1.65 percent, the meat group by 0.74 percent, and the bread and cereals group, which recorded an increase of 0.62 percent.
While vegetable prices decreased by 8.06 percent, followed by fish and seafood, which decreased by 3.84 percent, fruit prices decreased by 0.45 percent, and non-alcoholic beverages decreased by 0.19 percent.
The data showed that Al Dakhiliyah Governorate recorded the highest inflation rate among the Sultanate of Oman's governorates until the end of June 2025, compared to the same period last year, with an inflation rate of 1.76 percent.
It was followed by Al Dhahirah Governorate with a rate of 1.57 percent, then South Al Sharqiyah Governorate with a rate of 1.4 percent, Musandam Governorate with an inflation rate of 1.34 percent, and Al Wusta Governorate with a rate of 1.22 percent.
Al Buraimi Governorate recorded an inflation rate of 0.83 percent, Muscat Governorate recorded 0.82 percent, North Al Batinah Governorate recorded 0.28 percent, and Dhofar Governorate recorded 0.13 percent. South Al Batinah Governorate recorded the lowest inflation rate of 0.1 percent, while North Al Sharqiyah Governorate witnessed a slight decline in its inflation rate of 0.01 percent.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Fed leaves rates steady despite Trump pressure, gives no hint of September cut
Fed leaves rates steady despite Trump pressure, gives no hint of September cut

Zawya

time40 minutes ago

  • Zawya

Fed leaves rates steady despite Trump pressure, gives no hint of September cut

WASHINGTON: The U.S. central bank held interest rates steady on Wednesday and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comments after the decision undercut confidence that borrowing costs would begin to fall in September, possibly stoking the ire of President Donald Trump who has demanded immediate and steep rate relief. Powell said the Fed is focused on controlling inflation - not on government borrowing or home mortgage costs that Trump wants lowered - and added that the risk of rising price pressures from the administration's trade and other policies remains too high for the central bank to begin loosening its "modestly restrictive" grip on the economy until more information is collected. While there will be two full months of data before the Fed's September 16-17 meeting, Powell said the central bank was still in the early stages of understanding how Trump's rewrite of import taxes and other policy changes will unfold in terms of inflation, jobs and economic growth. "You have to think of this as still quite early days," Powell said in a press conference after the release of the Fed's latest policy statement. "There's quite a lot of data coming in before the next meeting. Will it be dispositive? ... It is really hard to say." Those comments, and others that placed the burden on upcoming data to convince policymakers that lower rates were warranted, led investors to reduce the probability of a rate cut in September to less than 50%, after entering this week's two-day Fed meeting at nearly 70%. Treasury yields rose while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average equities indexes closed marginally lower. Powell "made clear that he thinks the Fed has room to hold the fed funds rate steady for a period of time and wait and see how much tariffs affect inflation," said Bill Adams, chief economist at Comerica Bank, projecting that the central bank won't cut rates until its last meeting of the year in December. "If the unemployment rate holds steady and tariffs push up inflation, it will be hard to justify a rate cut in the next few months." The latest policy decision was made by a 9-2 vote, what passes for a split outcome at the consensus-driven central bank, with two Fed governors dissenting for the first time in more than 30 years. Trump has given Powell the pejorative nickname "Too Late" for his refusal to cut rates, but the Fed chief on Wednesday said his hope was to be right on time when the decision is made to lower borrowing costs, neither moving so soon that inflation reemerges, or waiting so long that the job market slides and the unemployment rate rises. Indeed, Powell said the fact that the Fed isn't discussing rate hikes could be seen as a willingness to overlook some of the expected impact of tariffs. "If you move too soon, you wind up not getting inflation all the way fixed ... That's inefficient," Powell told reporters. "If you move too late, you might do unnecessary damage to the labor market ... In the end, there should be no doubt that we will do what we need to do to keep inflation controlled. Ideally, we do it efficiently." The data since the Fed's June 17-18 meeting has given policymakers little reason to shift from the "wait-and-see" approach they have taken on interest rates since Trump's January 20 inauguration raised the possibility that new import tariffs and other policy shifts could put upward pressure on prices. Inflation is about half a percentage point above the Fed's 2% target and has shown signs of increasing as prices of some heavily imported goods begin to rise, a process Powell said is expected to continue. As of June, Fed policymakers at the median expected inflation to rise further and end the year at about 3%. New inflation data for June will be released on Thursday, and a key jobs report for the month of July will follow on Friday, part of the data Powell said policymakers will evaluate as they debate a possible rate cut in September. Earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. government reported that economic growth rebounded more than expected in the second quarter, but declining imports accounted for the bulk of the improvement and domestic demand rose at its slowest pace in 2-1/2 years. 'THOUGHTFULLY ARGUED' Along with Powell's comments, the Fed's new policy statement also gave little hint that rates were likely to fall soon, particularly with an unemployment rate that has stabilized around 4% as weaker hiring trends are offset by slowing growth in the labor force due to Trump's immigration policies. "The unemployment rate remains low, and labor market conditions remain solid. Inflation remains somewhat elevated," the central bank said after voting to keep its benchmark overnight interest rate steady in the 4.25%-4.50% range for the fifth consecutive meeting. The two dissents came from Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman and Governor Christopher Waller, who has been mentioned as a possible nominee to replace Powell when the Fed chief's term expires next May. Bowman and Waller, both appointed to the board by Trump, "preferred to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by one quarter of a percentage point at this meeting," the Fed's policy statement said. Powell characterized their opposition to the policy decision as part of a debate that was "argued, very thoughtfully ... all around the table," but with a majority of policymakers still reluctant to cut rates without more inflation data in hand. A bipartisan figure who was appointed to the Fed's board by former President Barack Obama and later promoted to the top job by Trump, Powell voted to hold rates steady, as did three other governors and the five Fed regional bank presidents who currently hold a vote on the FOMC. The Fed's regional bank presidents are hired by local boards of directors who oversee the Fed's 12 regional institutions. Governor Adriana Kugler was absent and did not vote. Dissenting members of the FOMC often release statements explaining their vote on the Friday following Fed meetings. (Reporting by Howard Schneider and Michael S. Derby; Editing by Paul Simao)

UAE launches 'advertiser permit' for social media users and influencers
UAE launches 'advertiser permit' for social media users and influencers

The National

time2 hours ago

  • The National

UAE launches 'advertiser permit' for social media users and influencers

Anyone displaying promotional content on their social media channels is to be required to apply for a licence, the UAE Media Council has announced. The advertiser permit will be needed if the content is paid for or not. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, secretary general of the UAE Media Council, said: 'We are committed to supporting the content economy as a vital component of the future economy and a key driver of growth in the digital era. 'We believe creative talent is the cornerstone of this rapidly growing sector, both locally and globally. 'That's why we are focused on updating legislation and launching strategic initiatives that foster an enabling environment for individuals and companies, while strengthening the sector's contribution to the national economy in alignment with the UAE's future vision and ambitions.' The permit is being introduced to empower content creators and improve the quality of advertisements shared across digital platforms, said Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, chief executive of strategy and media policy sector at the council. How will it work? The permit will take effect in three months, said Ms Al Suwaidi, reported state news agency Wam on Wednesday morning. This will give "content creators sufficient time to align their status and obtain the necessary approvals to ensure compliance with the new regulations". The permit will be mandatory for all individuals working in the digital advertising space. The permit will be issued for free for the first three years, Ms Al Suwaidi said. She called on companies and institutions to engage only with people licensed by the council. The licence number must be displayed clearly on social media accounts and platforms. No advertisement may be published except through an account registered with the council and linked to the permit granted to its holder, Wam reported. Account holders are forbidden from allowing any other person or party to advertise through the account registered with the council. Visitor advertiser permits will also be activated within three months, Ms Al Suwaidi added, with the official list of approved advertising and talent agencies to be announced at a later stage. Those applying for visitor advertiser permits need to be registered through a licensed advertising or talent management agency authorised to operate in the UAE. Once issued, the visitor permit will be applicable for three months before requiring renewal. Who is exempt? The need for the new permit does not apply to "any individual who promotes a product or service of their own or a company they own through their personal account, as well as individuals under the age of 18 who engage in educational, athletic, cultural, or awareness activities", according to Wam. What are the existing laws? The UAE made it mandatory for social media influencers making money from posts they share online to obtain a licence in 2018. Officials at the time said that those breaking the rules would face fines of up to Dh5,000 ($1,360), though penalties can vary from emirate to emirate. It was confirmed this year that influencers operating for financial gain in Abu Dhabi must secure a permit specific to the emirate and can face a Dh10,000 fine for failing to do so.

Eight Back-to-School Discounts to Check for the New Academic Year
Eight Back-to-School Discounts to Check for the New Academic Year

UAE Moments

time3 hours ago

  • UAE Moments

Eight Back-to-School Discounts to Check for the New Academic Year

As the new academic year approaches, it's the perfect time to stock up on essentials—from tech gadgets to trendy apparel—without breaking the bank. Whether you're heading back to school, college, or university, several leading UAE retailers are offering limited-time back-to-school discounts across categories like electronics, fashion, stationery, and sportswear. Here's a roundup of eight top back-to-school deals you should check out. 1. Apple Store UAE Students, teachers, and educational staff can enjoy special education pricing on Apple products, including MacBooks, iPads, and accessories. You can also benefit from free AirPods or Apple Pencil with eligible purchases and 1 0% off AppleCare+, making this the best time to upgrade your gear. 2. Noon Noon is offering a wide range of back-to-school discounts up to 80% on school supplies, electronics, and fashion. Look out for deals on laptops, headphones, backpacks, and lunch boxes. Plus, with Noon's lightning deals and bundle offers, you can save even more by shopping early. 3. Centrepoint Looking for new school uniforms or everyday fashion for kids and teens? Centrepoint is offering up to 70% off on lunch essentials, backpacks, and water bottles from popular brands like Eazy Kids, Juniors, Jansport, Lifestyle, and Disney. You can also find stationery essentials at great prices for the full academic kit. 4. Samsung UAE Samsung's back-to-school sale includes up to 30 percent discount on tablets, smartphones, monitors, and even Galaxy Buds. Students can also get extra perks like gifts, cashback, and installment plans, making it easy to grab high-performance tech for the school year. 5. Max UAE For affordable fashion and schoolwear, Max is offering up to 40% off on kids' clothing, shoes, and accessories. Parents can also find budget-friendly deals on lunch bags, socks, and backpacks, ensuring children are ready to start the year in style. 6. Sun & Sand Sports UAE Active students can take advantage of big savings on sports shoes, backpacks, and clothing. Sun & Sand Sports is offering up to 60% off on leading brands like Nike, adidas, and Puma—ideal for students looking to stay fit or join school sports teams. 7. R&B R&B is offering budget-friendly back-to-school fashion with discounts up to 5 0% on essentials. From school-ready outfits to casual weekend wear, it's a great destination for students wanting to refresh their wardrobes affordably. The discounts also cover cute backpacks, notebooks, lunch essentials and more. 8. Amazon UAE Amazon UAE's Back-to-School Store features mega deals on tech gadgets, stationery, backpacks, and classroom supplies. Look for discounts up to 50 percent on Chromebooks, wireless headphones, calculators, and more. Prime members may also get early access and faster delivery. Back-to-school season doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. With these eight top retailers offering significant discounts across the UAE, now's the time to shop smart and save big. Whether you're investing in a new laptop, updating your wardrobe, or restocking your pencil case, these back-to-school deals have you covered. Be sure to act fast—most offers are time-limited and may run out as schools reopen.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store