RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's annual inflation rate reached 1.8 percent in June 2026 compared with last year, driven mainly by higher housing, food, and transport prices, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels recorded an annual increase of 3.5 percent, driven by a 4.4 percent rise in actual housing rents. **media[2737446]** Food and beverage prices increased 1.4 percent, while transport prices rose 1.7 percent. Personal care, social protection, and other goods and services recorded the largest increase among the main divisions at 3.8 percent, driven by a 13.6 percent increase in other personal effects, reflecting a 14.7 percent rise in jewelry and watch prices. Recreation, sport, and culture prices also increased 2.5 percent, driven by a 4.2 percent increase in holiday package prices. **media[2737447]** Meanwhile, prices for personal care, social protection, and other goods and services declined 1.0 percent, while restaurants and accommodation services and information and communication each fell 0.1 percent. On a monthly basis, the Consumer Price Index increased 0.2 percent in June compared with May 2026. Food and beverage prices rose 0.7 percent, while transport prices increased 0.4 percent and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels edged up 0.1 percent.
