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Egypt’s annual consumer inflation rate in urban areas slowed to 13.9% in September 2026, down from 14.5% in August, according to data released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).
The latest figures point to a moderation in annual inflation, although monthly price pressures remained elevated, particularly for food and vegetables.
Headline Inflation Rises Slightly Nationwide
Annual inflation across Egypt rose marginally to 12.8% in September, compared with 12.7% in August, an increase of 0.1 percentage point.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices nationwide increased by 1.5% in September compared with the previous month. The general consumer price index reached 294.2 points during the month.
The monthly increase was driven by higher prices across several goods and services, with food prices accounting for a significant portion of the rise.
Food Prices Lead Monthly Increase
Prices of the food and beverages category increased by 3.2% in September compared with August.
Vegetable prices recorded the sharpest increase, rising 15.1% during the month. Fruit prices increased by 2.6%, while meat and poultry prices rose by 2.5%.
Prices of fish and seafood also increased by 1.2%.
Other food categories recorded more moderate increases. Prices of cereals and bread, as well as dairy products, cheese and eggs, rose by 0.4%. Oils and fats increased by 0.3%, while sugar and sugary foods rose by 0.2%.
Coffee, tea and cocoa prices increased by 0.3%, while mineral and carbonated water and natural juices rose by 0.5%.
Prices also increased in several non-food categories, including clothing and footwear, household maintenance supplies and health-related services.
Central Bank Expects Inflation to Decline Gradually
The Central Bank of Egypt recently lowered its inflation projections compared with its previous expectations issued by the Monetary Policy Committee in August.
The bank expects headline inflation to remain relatively stable during the third quarter of 2026 before gradually declining.
According to the central bank, inflation is expected to move toward its target of 7%, plus or minus 2 percentage points, during the second half of 2027.
The bank said the downward revision to its inflation outlook could further support current monetary conditions, which remain sufficiently restrictive to help reinforce the expected decline in inflation.
What the Latest Data Means
The September figures show a mixed picture for Egypt’s economy. Annual urban inflation eased noticeably, but the monthly increase in consumer prices indicates that households continue to face pressure from rising costs, particularly for fresh food.
The future path of inflation will depend partly on food prices, monetary conditions and broader economic developments in the months ahead.