The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) recently shared insights on inflation trends in January 2026. Annual urban inflation eased to 11.9%, down from 12.3% in December 2025. This drop was mainly due to a significant decrease in non-food inflation, which fell to 18.6%. This marks its lowest point since October 2023. Although food inflation ticked up to 1.9%, it wasn’t enough to offset the decline in non-food prices.
Monthly inflation figures show urban headline inflation at 1.2% for January, up from 0.2% in December but still lower than the 1.5% seen a year earlier. The rising food prices are typical as Ramadan approaches. Non-food inflation, however, showed a decrease, indicating stability across most categories.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile items, also fell to 11.2%, down from 11.8% in December. Monthly core inflation was at 1.2%, climbing from 0.2% in the preceding month and 1.7% a year ago.
In rural regions, inflation remained steady at 8.4%. This consistency contributed to a slight decrease in nationwide headline inflation, which dropped to 10.1%.
Looking closely at food inflation, it rose to 2.3% in January, significantly influenced by a 3.7% increase in volatile food prices. Fresh vegetable prices surged by 8.4%, while fresh fruit prices saw a decline of 2.8%. Poultry prices skyrocketed by 11.6%, a reversal of the earlier decreases seen in 2025. These trends have drawn considerable attention on social media, with many users discussing the impact of food prices on everyday life.
Recent data from a local survey indicated that 67% of households are concerned about rising costs, prompting discussions about budgeting and food choices. This concern is echoed by many economists, who point out that inflation impacts lower-income families the hardest.
Meanwhile, non-food inflation crept down to 0.5% in January, offering some relief as service costs saw slight increases, particularly in rent and dining.
Overall, the ongoing situation reflects a mix of stability and volatility in Egypt’s economy. As we move further into 2026, experts recommend keeping an eye on food markets and predicted seasonal trends that could influence prices.
For more detailed economic statistics, you can refer to authoritative sources like the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
