Egypt inflation cools unexpectedly to 12.3% in November

• Food prices drive surprise inflation slowdown
• Policy easing back in focus despite housing, transport pressures

CAIRO, EGYPT – Egypt’s urban inflation eased unexpectedly in November, slowing to 12.3% as food prices fell sharply, defying forecasts of a renewed acceleration.

Annual urban inflation slipped from 12.5% in October, below analysts’ expectations of 13.1%, according to data released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS). On a monthly basis, inflation eased to 0.3% from 1.8%.