Changes to commodity, service prices in March

Average prices of 73 out of 169 commodities and services across 10 categories in Saudi Arabia accelerated year-on-year (YoY) in March, data issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) showed.

On the other hand, prices of 91 other goods and services decreased, while five remained unchanged.

Among 100 items under the food and beverages category, Central African lemon recorded the highest price rise of 46.9% in March followed by locally produced molokhia (+28.8%).

Meanwhile, local round onions saw the steepest decline, falling 45.78% on a yearly basis in March, followed by imported round onions (-37.27% YoY).

Among 38 items under the housing, utilities, and fuel category, prices were mixed in March, with 22 items rising while those of 16 others eased YoY.

Most items in the pets, related products, and cultural services recorded higher prices in March, with four items surging, while only one item saw a pullback.

Prices of seven out of 10 items in the clothing and footwear category were lower, with three others moving higher during the same month.

Personal care and related services showed a downturn across the board in March, with all three items posting lower prices.

Household goods and maintenance recorded broad-based declines, with all tracked items posting lower prices. Notable drops included dishwasher (Fairy), which fell over 9%, and laundry detergent (Tide), down nearly 5.24%, reflecting easing costs across everyday consumer products.

Healthcare costs were generally higher, driven by an increase in service fees. Dental procedures rose by 7.98%, while pediatric consultation fees edged up slightly. In contrast, general practitioner fees tumbled by 1.07%.

Transport services showed a mixed trend, given the fluctuating oil prices, with the value of car repair services plummeting by nearly 3.12%.

Restaurants and accommodation also recorded mixed movements. Food preparation services increased by around 4.47%, while prices of furnished apartment rents and hotel accommodation were down by 6.34% and 6.11%, respectively.

Tobacco prices were down in March, with Marlboro cigarette prices shedding nearly 1.54% on an annual basis.