The annual inflation rate in Saudi Arabia edged up to 1.8% in March 2026 from a seventeen-month low of 1.7% in the previous month. The increase was mainly driven by higher housing and utility costs, up 3.9% (vs 4.1% in February), due to a 4.8% increase (vs 5.1%) in actual rents. Transport prices also rose 0.9% (vs 1.9%), reflecting a 5.5% gain (vs 5.6%) in passenger transport services, while restaurant and accommodation services increased 2.2% (vs 1.9%). Additionally, inflation increased for insurance and financial services (2.1% vs 1%) and recreation, sport and culture (2% vs 1.8%), while it remained steady for personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services (at 8.2%). In contrast, costs declined for clothing and footwear (-0.1% vs 0%) and furnishings, household equipment and maintenance (-0.5% vs -0.9%). Monthly, consumer prices rose by 0.3% in March, the sharpest since October 2025, after showing no growth in the preceding period.
