Egypt Today: In February 2025, Egypt’s Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation recorded a significant 1.6 percent, as reported by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). This marks a sharp decline from the 13.2 percent observed in February 2024 and a slight decrease from 1.7 percent in January 2025.
When viewed on an annual basis, Core CPI inflation saw a considerable drop, reaching 10.0 percent in February 2025, compared to 22.6 percent in January 2025. This decline reflects a broader trend of diminishing inflationary pressures within Egypt’s economy.
Similarly, monthly Urban Headline CPI inflation, reported by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) on Monday, registered 1.4 percent in February 2025. This is lower than 1.5 percent in January 2025 and a significant drop from 11.4 percent in the same month last year.
On an annual basis, Urban Headline CPI inflation also saw a marked decline, dropping to 12.8 percent in February 2025, down from 24.0 percent in January 2025.
CAPMAS attributed the sharp decline in urban inflation primarily to the base-year effect, which had a significant influence on the figures. The national consumer price index reached 246.8 points in February 2025, reflecting an annual inflation rate of 12.5 percent, down from 23.2 percent in January.
The reduction in inflation is attributed to price decreases in key sectors.
Vegetables saw a significant price drop of 8.2 percent, while coffee, tea, and cocoa prices declined by 0.2 percent. The cost of household maintenance goods and services also fell by 0.1 percent, and utility prices—such as water, electricity, gas, and other fuels—remained stable, all contributing to the overall decrease in inflation.
However, despite the overall slowdown in inflation, several commodities and services experienced price increases. Grain and bread prices rose by 0.8 percent, while meat and poultry saw a 3.2 percent increase.
The cost of fish and seafood edged up by 0.4 percent, and dairy products, cheese, and eggs saw a 0.7 percent rise. Fruits, oils, and fats also registered price increases, with fruits rising by 3.0 percent and oils and fats increasing by 0.4 percent. Tobacco prices saw a sharp rise of 6.3 percent.
Housing and household-related expenses continued to climb, with ready-made clothing increasing by 0.6 percent, and cleaning, repair, and clothing rental services rising by 0.3 percent. Shoe prices also saw a rise of 0.8 percent, and shoe repairs increased by 0.7 percent.
Housing rent went up by 1.1 percent, while prices for household furnishings and home appliances increased by 0.9 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively.
Medical and transportation costs also saw increases. The price of medical products and equipment rose by 0.5 percent, while outpatient and hospital services went up by 0.8 percent. Additionally, the cost of purchasing vehicles rose by 0.3 percent, while private transportation expenses increased by 0.2 percent, and transport services went up by 0.5 percent.
Price hikes were also observed in the communication, education, and entertainment sectors. Postal service fees rose by 2.9 percent, while the cost of telephone and fax equipment increased by 0.6 percent. Cultural and entertainment services saw a slight increase of 0.1 percent, but the price of newspapers, books, and stationery surged by 10.7 percent. Education expenses recorded significant hikes, with pre-primary and basic education costs rising by 12.5 percent, secondary and technical education by 4.3 percent, and higher education by 12.2 percent.
In the hospitality and personal care sectors, prepared meal prices increased by 0.5 percent, and hotel services saw a sharp rise of 8.0 percent. Personal care products increased by 0.6 percent, and personal accessories went up by 3.7 percent.
Overall, Egypt’s monthly inflation rate stood at 1.4 percent in February 2025, a slight decrease from 1.6 percent in January 2025. The decline in inflation, driven by reductions in key goods and services, signals a positive trend towards price stabilization.
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/3/138967/Core-Consumer-Price-Index-inflation-falls-in-January-2025-CBE
