Egypt’s Inflation Rises to 13.5% in April as Costs Surge Across Key Sectors

Egypt’s annual inflation rate edged up to 13.5 percent in April, up from 13.1 percent in March, driven by notable price increases in healthcare, transport, and housing, according to official figures released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).

The latest CAPMAS report showed that the consumer price index (CPI) rose by 1.3 percent in April on a monthly basis, reaching 253.8 points compared to 250.6 in March. The data reflects persistent inflationary pressures that continue to affect households nationwide, as the country faces the cumulative effects of currency devaluations, subsidy cuts, and global economic shocks, particularly in food and energy markets.

The healthcare sector registered the most significant monthly surge, climbing by 7.7 percent. Prices of medical products and equipment spiked 11.4 percent, outpatient services rose 2.1 percent, and hospital services increased by 1.6 percent.

Transportation costs also jumped markedly, recording a 7.5 percent monthly increase. Private transportation spending soared by 8.6 percent, while transport services rose by 8.2 percent. The cost of purchasing vehicles went up by 1.3 percent.

In the housing and utilities sector, prices increased by 2.8 percent, driven largely by a 6.7 percent rise in electricity, gas, and fuel prices. Actual rents went up by 1.1 percent, and home maintenance and related services climbed 1.0 percent.

Although the overall trend showed rising inflation, food and beverage prices offered a degree of relief to consumers, falling by 1.2 percent in April. Meat and poultry prices dropped by 3.5 percent, fruit prices plunged 5.1 percent, dairy products were down 0.6 percent, and oils and fats declined slightly by 0.1 percent.

However, price increases in several other food categories tempered this relief. Cereal and bread rose 0.5 percent, vegetables were up 1.2 percent, and fish and seafood increased by 1.7 percent. Beverages such as coffee, tea, and cocoa rose 0.4 percent, while prices for mineral water, soft drinks, and juices climbed by 1.5 percent.

The restaurants and hotels sector also saw notable increases, rising 4.1 percent. Ready meals were up 4.2 percent, and hotel services increased by 1.5 percent. Meanwhile, leisure services experienced a 15.6 percent hike, contributing to a 0.7 percent rise in the culture and entertainment category.

Clothing and footwear prices grew by 1.7 percent, while the furniture and household equipment segment increased 1.1 percent. Miscellaneous goods and services were up 2.2 percent, largely due to a 2.4 percent rise in personal care expenses and a 4.3 percent jump in personal luggage item prices.

The continued rise in inflation poses ongoing challenges for Egyptian consumers and policymakers as they navigate a complex economic landscape.