RIYADH: Kuwait’s inflation inched higher in July as rising food and beverage costs pushed the annual rate to 2.39 percent, up from 2.32 percent in June, data from the Central Statistical Bureau showed.
The food and beverages group, a key component of the index, climbed 0.63 percent month on month, while miscellaneous goods and services rose 0.43 percent and clothing and footwear gained 0.27 percent.
The latest data follows signs of economic recovery, with real gross domestic product expanding 1 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025, ending seven consecutive quarters of contraction, according to the National Bank of Kuwait. The rebound has been supported by steady improvements in the non-oil sector.
In its latest report, the Central Statistical Bureau stated: “The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.22 percent at 137.2 as a result of the increase in prices of some major groups in the movement of the indices.”
It added: “Prices of recreation and cultural group increased by 0.15 percent because of an increase in prices of audio-visual, photographic and information and tools and other recreational equipment, gardens and pets.”
