Inflation in Oman has probably hit its peak at a record 13.2 percent and is likely to stabilise as the impact from a global food crisis wanes, the central bank's deputy chief said.

"We believe we have seen the worst. I think inflation will stabilise," said Mohammed Al-Jahdhamy, executive vice-president of the Oman Central Bank.

"This is all imported inflation. We don't think it will accelerate further," he told Reuters.

Annual inflation in Oman accelerated for a 13th straight month in May as food, beverage and tobacco costs -- which account for almost a third of the consumer price index -- jumped 22.9 percent.

Oman pegs its currency to the US dollar, which fell to a fresh record trough against the euro on Tuesday, driving up import costs.

The Gulf state relies heavily on Europe and Japan for imports, Al-Jahdhamy said. Inflation in Oman is likely to average 9.3 percent this year, according to a Reuters poll in May. - Reuters