Egypt’s annual urban inflation rose to 13.4% in February 2026, up from 11.9% in January, according to data released on Tuesday by the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS).
On a monthly basis, inflation in urban areas also accelerated, rising by 2.8% in February compared with 1.2% in January, the state statistics agency said.
CAPMAS reported that the nationwide consumer price index (CPI) reached 275.2 points in February, marking a 2.7% increase from the previous month.
The rise was largely driven by higher food prices. Meat and poultry prices increased by 9%, while vegetables rose by 3.8%.
Other food categories also recorded increases, including fish and seafood, up 0.4%; dairy, cheese and eggs, up 0.5%; oils and fats, up 0.5%; and mineral water, soft drinks and natural juices, up 0.2%, CAPMAS said.
Prices also increased for alcoholic beverages, which rose by 0.8%, and tobacco, up by 2.9%.
Outside the food category, prices rose for fabrics by 0.8%, ready-made clothing by 0.8%, shoes by 0.6%, and shoe repair services by 0.2%, the agency added.
Housing-related costs also increased, including actual rents, which rose by 2.8%, housing maintenance and repair services by 0.4%, and electricity, gas and other fuels by 0.2%.
Prices of household furnishings increased by 0.1%, while home appliances rose by 0.6%. Glassware and tableware increased by 0.3%, household and garden tools by 0.3%, and goods and services used in home maintenance by 0.2%.
Healthcare costs also edged higher, with outpatient services rising by 0.4% and hospital services increasing by 0.2%, while transport services rose by 0.1%.
CAPMAS also recorded increases in telephone and fax equipment services, up 0.1%, cultural and recreational services, up 0.2%, and newspapers, books and stationery, which surged by 12.2%.
Education costs recorded some of the steepest increases. Prices for pre-primary and basic education rose by 22%, general and technical secondary education by 15.3%, post-secondary technical education by 364.5%, and higher education by 17%.
Meanwhile, prices for ready meals increased by 0.3%, hotel services rose by 8.2%, personal care services increased by 1.4%, and personal accessories edged up by 0.1%.
However, several categories recorded declines. Prices for grains and bread fell by 1.3%, fruit by 3%, sugar and sugary foods by 0.1%, other food products by 0.4%, and coffee, tea and cocoa by 0.2%.
CAPMAS said annual nationwide inflation stood at 11.5% in February 2026, compared with 12.5% in February 2025.
The data comes after the Central Bank of Egypt’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided on February 12 to cut key interest rates by 100 basis points.
The move lowered the overnight deposit rate to 19%, the overnight lending rate to 20%, and the main operation and discount rates to 19.5%.
The central bank also reduced the required reserve ratio for banks from 18% to 16%.
The MPC said the decisions reflected its assessment of recent inflation developments and the economic outlook since its previous meeting on December 25, 2025.
According to the committee, annual headline inflation is expected to stabilise around current levels during the first quarter of 2026 before resuming its downward trajectory over the remainder of the year.
Inflation is projected to move towards the central bank’s target of 7% (± 2%) on average by the fourth quarter, supported by easing inflationary pressures, the gradual fading of previous shocks, contained demand-side pressures, and an improving external position for the economy.
However, the MPC warned that the disinflation path could remain affected by the relatively slow decline in non-food inflation and may face upside risks, including the potentially stronger impact of fiscal consolidation measures and rising regional and global geopolitical tensions.
The committee said it would continue to assess the pace of monetary easing based on evolving data, forecasts and surrounding risks, adding that it will closely monitor economic and financial developments and will not hesitate to use its available tools to maintain price stability and steer inflation towards its target.
