Qatar residents continued to pay more for transport and recreational activities last month, even as inflation fell to its lowest rate all year.
The cost of living rose 2 percent year-on-year in November, according to new figures from the Ministry of Development, Planning and Statistics (MDPS).
Just like in October, this was primarily driven by price increases in eight of 12 categories used to take the country’s economic temperature.
These include transport (up 5.8 percent), recreation and culture (5.7 percent) and education (3 percent).
The ministry doesn’t specify what drives category increases, but the nicer weather did usher in a host of events last month — including the book fair, some holiday concerts and performances like The Nutcracker.
Additionally, fuel prices increased in November — and continued to climb this month as well.
Other categories
Several other categories saw price rises, including:
- Miscellaneous goods and services ( up 3.7 percent),
- Furniture and household equipment (1.8 percent),
- Housing, water, electricity and other fuel (1.8 percent),
- Clothing and footwear (.6 percent), and
- Communication (.1 percent).
Meanwhile, the cost food and beverages went down by 3.4 percent since November 2015; restaurants and hotels 1.7 percent and health by .8 percent.
Tobacco remained unchanged.
Silver lining
Though the overall cost of living in Qatar is higher than it was last year, there is a silver lining.
Last month’s inflation rate reflects the further slowing of price increases in the country.
It hit a high this year of 3.4 percent in April but has since fallen to a low of 2.0 last month.
In terms of month-on-month comparisons, prices went up marginally (.1 percent) from October to November.
How have your expenses changed lately? Thoughts?
