Egypt's inflation eases to 13.9% as vegetable prices jump
The annual rate in cities fell for September, but prices rose 1.3% in the month, led by a 15% rise in vegetables.
Cairo — Annual inflation in Egypt's cities slowed to 13.9% in September from 14.5% in August, the state statistics agency says, according to Daily News Egypt.
The monthly picture was less comfortable. Prices in cities rose 1.3% in September alone, against 0.1% the month before.
Across the whole country, the annual rate edged up to 12.8% from 12.7%.
What went up
Vegetables were the main cause, rising 15.1% in a month. Other increases were smaller:
- fruit, up 2.6%;
- meat and poultry, up 2.5%;
- fish and seafood, up 1.2%;
- bread and grains, up 0.4%;
- rents, up 0.9%;
- visits to the doctor, up 1.2%.
What the central bank is doing
The Central Bank of Egypt left interest rates unchanged on 24 September, for the fifth meeting in a row. Its main rates stand between 19% and 20%.
It expects inflation to hold steady for now and then fall gradually towards its target of 7%, give or take two points, in the second half of 2027. It said the risks were still tilted towards higher prices, citing renewed hostilities in the region.
This report is based on reporting by Daily News Egypt.
