https://arab.news/5h9q6
RIYADH: Energy price rises led Egypt’s September inflation rate to reach 26 percent, although this is a significant reduction from the 40.3 percent recorded in the same month of 2023.
According to the nation’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, Egypt’s general consumer price index reached 236.5 points, a 2.3 percent increase from August.
Electricity, gas, and other fuels saw a substantial increase of 14.9 percent, adding further pressure on household expenses.
Other contributors to the inflationary pressure included a 0.7 percent rise in cereals and bread and similar surges in meat and poultry.
The prices of fish and seafood increased by 1.7 percent, while dairy products, cheese, and eggs saw a 2.8 percent rise.
The vegetable category recorded a significant jump of 12.4 percent, and the cost of fruits rose by 1.7 percent.
Additionally, sugar and sugary foods edged up by 0.2 percent, and coffee, tea, and cocoa prices grew 0.9 percent.
Other categories also saw increases, including fabrics, up 1.1 percent, ready-made garments by 0.8 percent, and footwear by 0.3 percent.
The prices for actual housing rent increased by 0.9 percent, while furniture and furnishings rose by 0.8 percent.
Home maintenance goods and services grew by 1.4 percent, and household appliances by 1.5 percent.
Medical products and equipment registered a 3 percent increase, while hospital services rose 1.3 percent.
Transportation costs, including private carrier expenses, increased by 1 percent, with vehicle purchases up by 2.3 percent.
Despite these rises, some areas saw a decline. Notably, hotel services prices fell by 0.1 percent.
However, this decrease was not enough to counterbalance the broader upward trend in other sectors.