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

Saudi Arabia's annual inflation rate rose to 1.8% in August 2026, up from the same time last year, according to figures from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The main driver of the increase was a surge in housing costs, which climbed by 3.9% year-on-year. Electricity, gas, and other fuel prices also climbed by 3.9%, while food and beverage prices rose by 1.4% and transport prices went up by 2%.

Rents for housing went up 3.9%, while personal care, social protection, and other goods and services saw a 3.5% increase. Within the latter category, prices for other personal effects jumped a notable 13.3%, mainly due to a 14.4% rise in jewelry and watch prices. Entertainment, sport, and cultural activities increased by 2.8%, mainly due to a 4.7% surge in holiday package prices.

Conversely, the prices for furnishings, household equipment, and routine home maintenance fell by 0.6%, while clothing and footwear prices dropped by 0.5%. Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels accounted for 0.8 percentage points of the annual inflation, with food and beverages and transport each contributing 0.3 percentage points.

On a month-to-month basis, consumer prices rose by 0.1% in August compared to July. Housing-related prices increased by 0.2%, while transport costs climbed by 0.6%, and personal care, social protection, and other goods and services went up by 0.8%. In contrast, food and beverage prices fell by 0.1% month-on-month, while restaurant and accommodation services dropped by 0.4%.