Saudi Arabia Inflation Rate Eases to 16-Month Low

2026-02-15 06:32 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

The annual inflation rate in Saudi Arabia fell to 1.8% in January 2026 from 2.1% in the previous month, falling short of market expectations of 2.0% and marking the lowest reading since September 2024.

Price growth slowed for insurance and financial services (3.3% vs 4.1% in December), recreation and culture (2.3% vs 2.4%), food and drinks (0.2% vs 1.3%), and tobacco (0.7% vs 1.0%).

In addition, cost fell for furnishings and household equipment (-0.3% vs 0.1%) and health (-0.1% vs 0.2%).

On the other hand, inflation held steady for transport (at 1.5%) while edged higher for housing, utilities (4.2% vs 4.1%), restaurants and accommodation (1.0% vs 0.9%), clothing (0.5% vs 0.4%), communication (0.3% vs 0.2%), and education (1.6% vs 1.5%).

Meanwhile, prices of personal care, social protection, and miscellaneous items accelerated (7.9% vs 7.0%) Monthly consumer prices rose 0.2%, following 0.1% increases in November and December and pointing to the highest level in three months.



News Stream
Saudi Arabia Inflation Rate Eases to 16-Month Low
The annual inflation rate in Saudi Arabia fell to 1.8% in January 2026 from 2.1% in the previous month, falling short of market expectations of 2.0% and marking the lowest reading since September 2024. Price growth slowed for insurance and financial services (3.3% vs 4.1% in December), recreation and culture (2.3% vs 2.4%), food and drinks (0.2% vs 1.3%), and tobacco (0.7% vs 1.0%). In addition, cost fell for furnishings and household equipment (-0.3% vs 0.1%) and health (-0.1% vs 0.2%). On the other hand, inflation held steady for transport (at 1.5%) while edged higher for housing, utilities (4.2% vs 4.1%), restaurants and accommodation (1.0% vs 0.9%), clothing (0.5% vs 0.4%), communication (0.3% vs 0.2%), and education (1.6% vs 1.5%). Meanwhile, prices of personal care, social protection, and miscellaneous items accelerated (7.9% vs 7.0%) Monthly consumer prices rose 0.2%, following 0.1% increases in November and December and pointing to the highest level in three months.
2026-02-15
Saudi Arabia’s Inflation Rises Less Than Expected
The annual inflation rate in Saudi Arabia rose to 2.1% in December from 1.9% in November, slightly below market expectations of 2.2%. Inflation accelerated in several categories, including personal care, social protection, and miscellaneous items (7.0% vs 6.6% in November), recreation, sport, and culture (2.4% vs 1.3%), and restaurants and accommodation services (0.9% vs -0.5%). Price growth also picked up for clothing and footwear (0.4% vs 0.3%) and information and communication (0.2% vs 0.1%), while furnishings and household equipment returned to positive territory (0.1% vs -0.3%). Meanwhile, inflation eased for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (4.1% vs 4.3%) and for insurance and financial services (4.1% vs 5.1%), while remaining unchanged for food and beverages (1.3%), tobacco (1.0%), health (0.2%), transport (1.5%), and education services (1.5%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.1%, matching the pace of the previous period.
2026-01-15
Saudi Arabia Inflation Lowest in 11 Months
The annual inflation rate in Saudi Arabia eased to 1.9% in November 2025 from 2.1% in October, below the expected 2%, marking the lowest level since December 2024. Price growth slowed mainly for food and beverages (1.3% vs 1.5% in October), housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (4.3% vs 4.5%), and transport (1.5% vs 1.6%). Inflation also notably moderated for recreation and culture (1.3% vs 2.4%) and insurance and financial services (5.1% vs 8.2%). Meanwhile, costs declined for furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance (-0.3% vs -0.5%), as well as restaurants and accommodation services (-0.5% vs 1.1%). On the other hand, inflation picked up for tobacco (1% vs 0.9%), education services (1.5% vs 1.4%), and personal care, social protection, and miscellaneous items (6.6% vs 5.9%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices grew 0.1%, following a 0.3% gain in the previous period.
2025-12-15