Oman Import Prices Rise Sharply on Machinery Costs, Inflation Stays Contained

Import prices in Oman rose significantly in the final quarter of 2025, driven largely by a surge in the cost of machinery and transport equipment, according to official data.

The overall import price index increased by 14.8 percent in the fourth quarter compared with the same period in 2024, the Oman News Agency reported, citing figures from the National Center for Statistics and Information. The machinery and transport equipment category recorded the steepest rise, climbing 39.4 percent year on year.

Other commodity groups also contributed to the upward trend. Prices for chemicals and related products rose by 9.6 percent, while animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes increased by 9.3 percent. Miscellaneous manufactured articles saw a smaller rise of 4.3 percent, and beverages and tobacco edged up by 3.3 percent.

In contrast, some categories registered declines. Mineral fuels and related materials dropped by 8.6 percent, while manufactured goods classified chiefly by material fell 4.9 percent. Crude materials excluding fuel recorded a slight decline of 0.2 percent, and the food and live animals category remained unchanged over the year.

Despite the rise in import costs, inflation in Oman has remained relatively low. The Ministry of Economy said average consumer inflation stood at 0.94 percent between January and November 2025, indicating stable price conditions for households.

The ministry noted that inflation continues to move within target ranges at the domestic level, supported by policy measures aimed at limiting the impact of global price increases. It also pointed to relatively contained global inflationary pressures, even as changes in international trade policies and higher customs duties continue to create uncertainty.

A report released in December by the International Monetary Fund said Gulf economies have largely managed to control inflation through currency pegs and regulated pricing systems. The IMF expects inflation in Oman, Bahrain and Qatar to remain below 2 percent, while Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are projected to see rates close to that level through 2025 and 2026.

On a quarterly basis, Oman’s import price index rose by 0.6 percent compared with the previous quarter. This increase was again led by chemicals, which surged 18.4 percent, followed by machinery and transport equipment at 15.4 percent. Miscellaneous manufactured articles rose 10.4 percent, while oils and fats increased 8.9 percent.

Some categories declined during the quarter, with beverages and tobacco falling 16.4 percent, mineral fuels down 15.3 percent, and food and live animals slipping 2.2 percent.

Officials said government measures have helped cushion the domestic economy from global price volatility, supporting purchasing power and maintaining steady economic growth despite rising import costs.