KUWAIT CITY, Jan 15: Local inflation in Kuwait rose 2.46 percent year-on-year in October, the Central Statistical Bureau reported Thursday, driven by price increases across key consumer sectors.

The Bureau told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) also recorded a month-on-month rise of 0.07 percent in October compared to September.

The year-on-year increase was attributed to price growth in major groups that significantly influence the CPI, including food, healthcare, clothing, education, and miscellaneous goods and services.

The report showed that the food and beverages index rose 6.13 percent in October from the same month in 2024, while cigarettes and tobacco increased by 0.07 percent. Clothing prices went up 2.39 percent, and housing services rose 0.90 percent. The home furnishings group recorded a 2.20 percent increase, while the health sector rose 1.85 percent. Transportation prices grew 0.36 percent, and communications rose 0.40 percent year-on-year.

Recreation and culture saw a 1.30 percent increase, education rose 0.55 percent, and restaurants and hotels recorded a 1.71 percent rise. Miscellaneous goods and services led with a 6.50 percent increase.

Excluding the food and beverage group, Kuwait’s inflation rate rose 1.68 percent year-on-year in October, and 0.23 percent month-on-month, the report noted.