RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) rose 4.6 percent year-on-year in August 2026, mainly driven by an 8.2 percent increase in other transportable goods and a 2.2 percent rise in metal products, machinery and equipment. According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), basic chemical prices recorded a particularly sharp 51.4 percent annual increase. Prices of metal products, machinery and equipment increased 2.2 percent annually, supported by a 5.4 percent rise in basic metals and a 10.5 percent increase in fabricated metal products. Agriculture and fishery product prices rose 4.8 percent year-on-year, driven by a 9 percent increase in agricultural products. In contrast, ores and minerals declined 1.8 percent, reflecting an equivalent decrease in stone and sand prices. Prices of food products, beverages, tobacco and textiles remained stable, recording no significant relative change during August. **media[2765851]** On a monthly basis, the WPI declined 0.2 percent in August compared with July. Prices of other transportable goods fell 1 percent, driven by a 6.2 percent decline in basic chemical prices and a 0.5 percent decrease in glass and non-metallic products. Agriculture and fishery product prices fell 1.5 percent month-on-month, driven by an 8.5 percent decrease in live animals and animal products. Ores and minerals declined 2 percent, due to an equivalent decrease in stone and sand prices. In contrast, prices of metal products, machinery and equipment increased 0.8 percent monthly, driven by an 8.6 percent rise in fabricated metal products. Prices of food products, beverages, tobacco and textiles rose 0.6 percent, as meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, oils and fats increased 2.6 percent, while dairy products rose 0.3 percent.
