Saudi inflation steady at 2.2% in October

Saudi Arabia’s inflation rate unchanged month-on-month in October 2025: GASTAT

Saudi Arabia’s inflation rate was unchanged month-on-month (MoM) at 2.2% in October 2025. 

Data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) showed the consumer price index rising to 104.12 points in October (based on the 2023 benchmark year), up from 101.90 points in the same period of 2024.

GASTAT developed the data collection and calculation methodology for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in line with international best practices, to ensure greater accuracy and comprehensiveness.

It also updated the benchmark year of the index to 2023, revised the basket of goods and weights, and expanded geographical coverage to all regions of the Kingdom.

The inflation rate is measured by the percentage change in living costs between the current period and the corresponding period of the previous year, while month-on-month comparisons indicate whether inflation is rising or declining.

GASTAT attributed the rise in inflation year-on-year (YoY) primarily to a 4.5% increase in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel prices. Food and beverage prices rose 1.5% over the same period, while prices for restaurants and accommodation services climbed 1.1% YoY.

The authority explained that the housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels category was driven by a 5.7% rise in actual rents paid by tenants for main residences.

Similarly, prices in the food and beverages rose by 1.5%, influenced by a 2.5% increase in fresh, chilled, or frozen meat prices. Prices in the restaurants and accommodation services increased by 1.1%, while the personal care, social protection, and other goods and services rose by 5.9%, driven by higher prices for personal luggage.

Prices in the insurance and financial services increased by 8.2%, supported by a 13.2% rise in insurance costs.

Conversely, prices in the furniture, furnishings, and carpets fell by 4.3%, and prices in the IT and communication decreased by 0.2%, influenced by a 6.3% drop in IT and communication equipment prices.

On a monthly basis, inflation increased in Riyadh, Makkah, Al Qassim, Aseer, Hail, Northern Boarders and Al Jouf.

However, it declined in Madinah, Eastern Province, Tabuk, Jazan, Najran and Al-Baha.