Egypt’s annual inflation rises to 12.8% in September

Egypt’s annual inflation rate reached 12.8% in September, up slightly from 12.7% in August.

The country’s statistics agency said consumer prices overall rose 1.5% from August to September.

Vegetables had the biggest monthly increase, rising 15.1%, while fruit, meat and poultry also became more expensive.

Food and drink prices rose 3.2% over the month, adding pressure to household budgets.

Housing, water, electricity, gas and fuel costs were up 29.6% compared with a year earlier, the largest annual rise among the main categories listed.

The annual rate compares prices with the same month a year earlier, while the monthly rate shows the latest change, so a small rise in annual inflation does not mean prices fell.

The next months’ direction remains uncertain and will depend on later price data and changes in goods, production and transport costs, and the exchange rate.