RIYADH: Kuwait’s annual inflation rate eased to 2.49 percent in May, driven by higher prices for food, healthcare, clothing, education, and miscellaneous goods, new figures showed.
Issued by the state’s Central Statistical Bureau, the May 2026 Consumer Price Index report showed that consumer prices increased 0.07 percent from April.
The latest data comes as inflation in Kuwait remains relatively contained by regional standards. In its latest Article IV Consultation, the International Monetary Fund projected headline consumer price inflation to moderate to 2.1 percent in 2026 before stabilizing at just below 2 percent over the medium term, supported by prudent macroeconomic policies and easing price pressures.
The IMF also expects Kuwait’s economy to expand by 3.8 percent in 2026, driven by the gradual unwinding of OPEC+ production cuts and continued growth in the non-oil sector, supporting a stable inflation outlook despite ongoing regional uncertainties.
“The CPI is one of the most important economic indicators to follow-up the business condition and the economic situation in Kuwait. This indicator is also an essential element to follow the overall price movements in retail markets,” the report said.
