Egypt’s Annual Inflation Rises to 12.8 Percent in September as Food Prices Increase

Egypt’s annual inflation rate rose slightly to 12.8 percent in September 2026, compared to 12.7 percent in August, as rising food prices, particularly vegetables, contributed to higher living costs, according to data released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) on Saturday, 10 October.

Consumer prices increased by 1.5 percent compared to August, bringing the nationwide Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the prices of goods and services, to 294.2 points.

Vegetables recorded the largest monthly increase among food categories, with prices rising by 15.1 percent. Fruit prices increased by 2.6 percent, meat and poultry by 2.5 percent, and fish and seafood by 1.2 percent.

Overall, food and beverage prices rose by 3.2 percent during September, while other essential goods and services also became more expensive.

Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels increased by 0.8 percent compared to August, while household furnishings and equipment rose by 1.2 percent. Clothing and footwear prices increased by 0.8 percent, and healthcare costs rose by 0.4 percent.

On an annual basis, housing and utilities recorded one of the largest increases, rising by 29.6 percent compared to September 2025. Transport costs increased by 21.3 percent, while education prices rose by 20 percent.

Food and beverage prices were 7.9 percent higher than a year earlier, with vegetables recording an annual increase of 30.9 percent. Meat and poultry prices rose by 6.2 percent, while fruit prices increased by 7.2 percent.

The latest figures indicate that although the annual inflation rate increased only marginally, households continued to face rising prices for everyday goods and essential services.

The increase follows the Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE) decision on 24 September, to maintain its key interest rates, keeping the overnight deposit rate at 19 percent and the lending rate at 20 percent.

The bank expects annual inflation to gradually decline towards its target of seven percent, plus or minus two percentage points, during the second half of 2027. Its next monetary policy meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 29 October.