Saudi Arabia: Inflation Rate at 6-Month Low of 1.7%

The annual inflation rate in Saudi Arabia slowed to 1.7% in October 2026, down from September’s nine-month high of 1.9%. It was the softest increase in consumer prices since April, as costs of food and beverages rose at the slowest pace in five months (1.1% vs 1.4%) and inflation in housing and utilities eased (3.5% v 3.6% in September), while transportation inflation remained unchanged at 2.3%. Inflation also moderated for restaurants and accommodation services (1.8% vs. 1.9%) and personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods (1.0% vs. 3.3%). Meanwhile, inflation accelerated for recreation, sport and culture (2.7% vs 2.5%) and insurance and financial services (3.5% vs 2.0%). By contrast, prices continued to decline for clothing and footwear (-0.2% vs -0.4%) and furnishings, household equipment and maintenance (-0.5% vs -0.5%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices edged up 0.1% in October, after being flat in the previous month.