Egypt’s urban inflation accelerates to 14.9% in July

07:45

By: Sahili Aya

Egypt’s urban inflation accelerates to 14.9% in July

Egypt’s annual urban consumer price inflation accelerated to 14.9% in July, up from 14.3% in June, according to data released Monday by Egypt’s state statistics agency CAPMAS.

The latest figures point to continued price pressures in the country, although some food and beverage prices declined on a monthly basis.

Nationwide inflation reaches 13%

Across Egypt, annual inflation stood at 13% in July, compared with the same month a year earlier. The nationwide all-items consumer price index increased by 0.1% from June.

Food and beverage prices nationally edged down by 0.1% month on month, offering some relief after sustained increases in the cost of essential goods.

In urban areas, food and beverage prices fell 0.6% from June, but remained 8% higher than a year earlier.

Rural inflation remains lower

Rural areas recorded annual inflation of 11.2% in July. Food and beverage prices in rural Egypt were 7.8% higher than a year earlier.

The difference between urban and rural inflation highlights the uneven impact of price pressures across the country, with consumers in cities continuing to face a higher overall inflation rate.

Inflation broadly in line with expectations

The July urban inflation figure was broadly within the range anticipated by economists. Thirteen analysts surveyed by Reuters between July 29 and August 6 had forecast annual urban inflation between 14.6% and 16.3%.

The data will be closely watched as policymakers assess the trajectory of prices and the broader economic outlook.

For Egyptian households, persistent annual price increases continue to put pressure on purchasing power, even as monthly food prices show signs of moderation.