Ramallah: The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) has reported a slight increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Gaza and the West Bank in February 2026. The data indicates a notable rise in consumer goods prices, primarily driven by market instability in the Gaza Strip.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the CPI for Palestine in February 2026 recorded an overall increase of 12.02% compared to January 2026. The increase was particularly significant in the Gaza Strip, which saw a surge of 37.92%, while Jerusalem J1 experienced a rise of 0.39%, and the West Bank saw a marginal increase of 0.02%.
The fluctuations in the Palestinian CPI during February 2026 can be attributed to changes in the prices of several expenditure subgroups compared to the previous month. Notably, imported cigarettes saw a substantial increase of 161.75%, fresh chicken prices rose by 9.51%, eggs by 7.59%, fresh meat by 4.13%, and rice by 4.01%.
Furthermore, the Palestinian CPI in February 2026 marked an increase of 11.61% compared with February 2025. This includes a significant rise of 31.32% in the Gaza Strip, a 2.84% increase in Jerusalem J1, and a 1.71% increase in the West Bank. These changes reflect the ongoing economic challenges and fluctuating market conditions impacting the region.
