Saudi inflation rises to 2.3% in August

Food prices in Saudi Arabia increased 1.1% YoY in August 2025

Saudi Arabia's inflation rate accelerated to 2.3% in August 2025, compared to the previous month, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

The authority stated that it has developed the collection and calculation mechanism for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in line with the best international practices to ensure greater inclusiveness and accuracy.

GASTAT updated the index’s reference year to 2023, revised the items and weights of the consumer price basket, and expanded geographical coverage to include all regions.

The cost-of-living index, using 2023 as the base year, advanced to 103.89 points in the same month, compared to 101.55 points in August 2024.

GASTAT noted that the housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel prices rose the most at 5.8% year-on-year (YoY). Food and beverage prices increased 1.1% over the same period, while prices for restaurants and accommodation services climbed 3% YoY.

Inflation is measured by the annual percentage change in the cost of living, comparing the current period with the same period a year earlier. Monthly changes in inflation reflect increases or declines relative to the previous month.