Changes in commodity, service prices in May

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The average prices of 93 out of 169 commodities and services across 10 categories in Saudi Arabia increased year-on-year (YoY) in May 2026, according to data issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

Meanwhile, prices of 72 other goods and services declined, while four remained unchanged.

Among 100 items under the food and beverages category, local grapes recorded the highest price increase last month, rising 30.38%, followed by medium-sized African lemons (+29.67%).

Meanwhile, local round onions posted the steepest decline, falling 32.75%, followed by imported round onions (-25.30%) over the same period.

Among items under the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category, prices showed a mixed trend in May, with 27 items rising and 11 items declining YoY.

Most items under pets, related products and other cultural services recorded higher prices in May, with three items rising and two declining compared to the same period a year earlier.

Clothing and footwear prices were mostly lower, with four items rising and six declining YoY.

The personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services category recorded broad-based declines in May, with all tracked items posting lower prices.

Furniture, household equipment and routine household maintenance also showed mixed performance: one item recorded a price increase, while three declined.

Healthcare costs were mixed last month, with one of the three tracked services posting higher prices, while two declined YoY.

Transport services also recorded mixed movements, with one service seeing a price increase, while the other declined in May.

Restaurants and accommodation services showed mixed performance, with one service rising and two declining YoY.

Tobacco prices edged lower, with Marlboro cigarette prices declining in May, compared to the same period a year earlier.