Amman, April 8 (Petra) – Jordan’s agricultural producer prices rose by 3.2% during the first two months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to a monthly report released Wednesday by the Department of Statistics (DoS).

The report highlighted a volatile upward trend in February 2026, which saw a 3.6% increase compared to February 2025 and a sharp 23.8% surge over January 2026.

According to the data, the cumulative price index for the first two months of the year reached 101.3 points, up from 98.2 points during the corresponding period in 2025. For the month of February specifically, the index hit 112.1 points, compared to 108.3 points a year prior and 90.6 points in the preceding month.

The year-on-year cumulative increase was driven by price hikes in crops representing a 23.1% relative weight in the index, most notably tomatoes, zucchini, and colored bell peppers. Conversely, price drops were recorded for crops making up 76.9% of the relative weight, led by potatoes, green beans, and hot peppers.

The Department attributed the February year-on-year rise to higher prices for tomatoes, lemons, and zucchini. Meanwhile, prices fell for crops including white cabbage, cauliflower, and dates.

On a month-to-month basis, February’s gains were fueled by green beans, tomatoes, and sweet corn. In contrast, prices declined for cauliflower, grape leaves, and green broad beans.

The DoS noted that it has updated its methodology for collecting agricultural price data through a specialized technical committee in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture. The move, based on recommendations from the Permanent Expert Committee on Agricultural Statistics under the National Agricultural Strategy, aims to enhance data quality.

The index now relies on comprehensive monthly price data for all crops arriving at central markets. The Department currently uses 2016 as the base year (2016=100) and employs the Laspeyres formula to calculate the price index.

//Petra// AA