RIYADH — In March 2025, Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate was 2.3%, which was 0.3% more than it was the month before and at the same time last year. According to the General Authority for Statistics’ (GASTAT) monthly statistics bulletin released on Tuesday, an 11.9 percent increase in apartment rentals was the primary factor driving the increase in the Consumer Price Index, or inflation.
It is important to note that in February 2025, the annual inflation rate was constant at 2%, which was the same rate as the year before. However, the 6.9 percent increase in housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuel prices, which was fueled by an 8.2 percent increase in housing rents, which in turn was influenced by an 11.9 percent increase in apartment rents, caused inflation to increase to 2.3 percent in March from 2 percent in February.
A 3.8 percent increase in the price of meat and poultry was the primary driver of the 2 percent increase in food and beverage costs. A 26.2 percent increase in the price of jewelry, watches, and expensive antiques contributed to a 3.9 percent increase in the pricing of other personal products and services.
A 3.3 percent increase in hotel services and furnished apartment rates drove a 1.3 percent increase in restaurant and hotel charges. In the meantime, a 4.3 percent increase in higher education tuition contributed to a 1.1 percent growth in the education sector.
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