Saudi Arabia’s consumer inflation remained moderate in April, with prices rising 1.7 percent compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Kingdom’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.2 percent month on month, reflecting modest price gains across several key sectors including food, housing, and transportation.

The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels category was the largest contributor to annual inflation, with prices up 3.8 percent year on year. This was largely driven by a 4.8 percent rise in actual housing rents. Food and beverage prices increased 0.6 percent annually, spearheaded by a 1.8 percent rise in fresh, chilled, or frozen meat prices. Transport costs grew 1 percent over the year, supported by a 5.2 percent increase in passenger transport services. Meanwhile, prices for restaurant and accommodation services also rose 1 percent on an annual basis.

On a monthly basis, food and beverage prices went up by 0.8 percent in April. Housing and transport each saw a 0.3 percent increase compared to March. In contrast, prices for restaurant and accommodation services declined 0.3 percent during the month, while sectors such as education, entertainment, communications, and tobacco remained largely stable.

The report also noted some price decreases, with the furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance category experiencing a 0.5 percent decline. This drop was influenced by a 1.9 percent reduction in the costs of furniture, furnishings, and loose carpets.

Compared to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Saudi Arabia’s inflation remained relatively contained. Kuwait’s annual inflation rate was 2.06 percent in March, Qatar’s stood at 2.51 percent in February, while Bahrain reported a lower annual rate of 1.1 percent in March.

Additional data from GASTAT revealed that wholesale prices rose 3.3 percent year on year in April, with a month-on-month increase of 0.2 percent. The wholesale price uptick was led by other transportable goods excluding metal products, machinery, and equipment, which rose 6.4 percent annually. Notable contributors to wholesale inflation included basic chemicals, which surged 34.9 percent year on year, and refined petroleum products, which increased 3.9 percent.

Prices for metal products, machinery, and equipment rose 1.1 percent annually, supported by a 4.4 percent increase in basic metals prices. Wholesale prices for food products, beverages, tobacco, and textiles saw a 0.8 percent rise, driven by higher costs for meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, oils, and fats. Agriculture and fishery products also posted a 1.7 percent increase compared with April 2025, while prices for ores and minerals declined slightly by 0.3 percent over the same period.