Saudi annual inflation steady at 1.8% in August: statistics authority

Data released today by the General Authority for Statistics showed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the main gauge of inflation, remained stable for the fourth consecutive month in August, recording a year-on-year increase of 1.8%.

According to a statement from the authority on its X platform account, the Consumer Price Index in August 2026 rose slightly by 0.1% compared to July 2026 on a monthly basis.

The authority attributed this mainly to a 0.2% increase in the housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels sector, driven by a 0.2% rise in actual housing rents. Prices in the transport sector increased by 0.6%, while personal care, social protection, and miscellaneous goods and services rose by 0.8%. Insurance and financial services also saw a 0.5% increase.

Conversely, food and beverage prices declined by 0.1%, and restaurant and accommodation services fell by 0.4%. On an annual basis, the housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels sector rose by 3.9% due to a 3.9% increase in actual housing rents. The personal care, social protection, and miscellaneous goods and services sector followed with a 3.5% rise, driven by a 13.3% jump in other personal belongings, which was influenced by a 14.4% increase in jewelry and watches. The recreation, sports, and culture sector climbed by 2.8%, supported by a 4.7% rise in holiday package prices.

On the other hand, furniture, household equipment, and routine home maintenance prices dropped by 0.6%, and clothing and footwear fell by 0.5%. The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels sector was the main contributor to annual inflation, accounting for 0.8 percentage points, followed by the food and beverages sector with a 0.3-point contribution.

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