KUWAIT CITY, Feb 20: Kuwait’s consumer price index (CPI) rose by 2.5% at the end of January on an annual basis, according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau released Thursday. The data, reported by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), also showed a 0.15% monthly increase compared to December 2024. The year-on-year rise was attributed to higher prices in key sectors, particularly food, clothing, and education, while transportation costs declined. The food and beverages category saw the highest increase, up 5.19% from January 2024. Clothing prices followed with a 4.81% rise, while education costs increased by 0.71%. Meanwhile, housing services rose by 0.9%, and household furnishings saw a 2.98% uptick. Healthcare costs climbed by 3.99%, while the transport sector was the only category to register a decline, dropping by 1.26% year-on-year. Other categories showing annual increases included communications (0.88%), entertainment and culture (2.64%), and restaurants and hotels (2.03%). Prices for miscellaneous goods and services rose by 5.17%. Excluding food and beverages, Kuwait’s inflation rate stood at 1.86% year-on-year. (KUNA)