Egypt Inflation Slows to 12.0% in October

Egypt's yearly inflation slowed to 12.0% in October 2026, according to the national statistics agency CAPMAS. This represents a decrease from 12.8% in September, signaling a cooling of prices across the country. Despite the overall decline, the consumer price index increased by 0.6% in October, reaching 296.1 points. Urban inflation slowed to 12.7% from 13.9% in September, with prices rising 0.7% in the month compared to 1.3% in September.

Housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuel costs saw the steepest rise, increasing 24.1% year-over-year, while transport costs jumped 22.3% and education expenses grew 20.0%. Food prices increased by 0.8% month-over-month, primarily due to higher meat and poultry prices. Fruit prices fell 2.9%, while vegetables decreased by 2.6%.

On October 29, the Central Bank of Egypt raised its main bank-deposit rate by 1 percentage point to 20%, citing a prolonged regional conflict and higher energy and commodity prices. This move aimed to counteract imported inflation, despite the cooling inflation trend. The bank's cautious stance keeps the currency's real return attractive for bondholders holding Egyptian pound-denominated debt.

Rising rents, housing, and transport costs continue to strain household budgets. While the recent rate hike adds financial pressures, slowing inflation provides room for future rate cuts if the trend persists. The long-term impact of this slowdown on Egypt's economy remains uncertain, as monthly price increases remain at 0.6%.