CAIRO, May 6 – Egypt’s annual urban inflation rate slowed unexpectedly in April, offering some relief after a prolonged period of elevated price pressures.
Data from Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics showed inflation eased to 14.9% year-on-year, down from 15.2% in March.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 1.1%, while food and beverage prices declined by 0.7% compared with March, although they remained 6.7% higher than a year earlier.
The latest figures extend a broader disinflation trend, with inflation sharply down from a record high of 38% in September 2023. The easing has been supported in part by macroeconomic reforms tied to an $8 billion programme agreed with the International Monetary Fund in March 2024.
However, inflationary pressures may re-emerge in the near term. Price data for May is expected to reflect the impact of recent increases in natural gas prices for energy-intensive industries, announced earlier in the month.
The outlook highlights the delicate balance facing policymakers, as efforts to stabilise prices continue to be challenged by energy costs and broader global economic pressures.
