Egypt's annual inflation rose to 13.5 per cent in April from 13.1pc the previous month, driven by higher prices across key sectors including healthcare, transport, and housing, official data showed, reports Arab News.
According to data released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics, or CAPMAS, the monthly consumer price index rose 1.3pc to 253.8 points, up from 250.6 in March.
The data indicates continued inflationary pressures across essential sectors, affecting households nationwide, as Egypt grapples with the compounded impact of currency devaluations, ongoing subsidy reforms, and external shocks to global food and fuel prices.
The healthcare sector recorded the sharpest monthly gains, rising 7.7pc, with prices of medical products and equipment surging 11.4pc. Outpatient services rose 2.1pc, while hospital services increased 1.6pc, according to CAMPAS data.
Transport costs climbed 7.5pc on the month, led by an 8.6pc jump in private transport spending and an 8.2pc increase in transport services. The cost of purchasing vehicles rose 1.3pc.
Housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuel prices increased 2.8pc. Electricity, gas, and fuel prices alone climbed 6.7pc, while actual rent increased by 1.1pc and home maintenance and related services rose by 1.0pc.
Food and beverage prices declined 1.2pc on a monthly basis, providing some relief to consumers. The decline was led by a 3.5pc drop in meat and poultry, a 0.6pc fall in dairy, cheese, and eggs, a 0.1pc decrease in oils and fats, and a steep 5.1pc drop in fruit prices.
However, prices in several other categories within the food segment increased. Cereal and bread prices rose 0.5pc, fish and seafood increased by 1.7pc, vegetables gained 1.2pc, sugar and sugary foods edged up 0.4pc, and other food products rose 1.2pc.
Coffee, tea, and cocoa prices rose 0.4pc, while mineral water, carbonated beverages, and natural juices were up 1.5pc.
The restaurants and hotels category posted a 4.1pc increase in April, as ready meal prices climbed 4.2pc and hotel services rose 1.5pc. Cultural and entertainment services prices rose 0.7pc, including a 15.6pc increase in costs tied to leisure and recreational services. The clothing and footwear division saw a 1.7pc increase, with prices of garments, accessories, and cleaning services all moving higher.
Furniture and household equipment prices increased by 1.1pc, while miscellaneous goods and services climbed 2.2pc, driven largely by a 2.4pc rise in personal care expenses and a 4.3pc increase in prices of personal luggage items.
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