Kuwait’s consumer prices rose 2.32% year-on-year in June, driven mainly by increases in food, health and education costs, according to data published by the Central Statistical Bureau on Sunday.
On a monthly basis, inflation rose 0.29% compared to May.
Food and beverage prices rose 5.11% year-on-year, the highest among all categories. Clothing costs were up 3.93%, health expenses increased by 2.94%, and education costs rose 0.71%. Housing services recorded a 0.98% annual increase, while home furnishings were up 3.30%.
The bureau noted a 1.81% decline in transportation costs, the only category to post a decrease. Communication prices rose 0.64%, and entertainment and culture costs rose 1.92%. Prices for restaurants and hotels increased by 1.94%, while miscellaneous goods and services rose by 4.8%.
Core inflation, which excludes food and beverages, stood at 1.69% year-on-year and 0.23% month-on-month in June.
Inflation in Kuwait remains relatively contained compared to Gulf peers, with Saudi Arabia reporting a June inflation rate of 1.6% and the UAE at 2.1% for May, according to national statistics centres.
