Saudi Wholesale Inflation Hits Highest Since 2022

Wholesale price inflation in Saudi Arabia climbed to its highest level in nearly four years in July 2026, even as everyday consumer prices held steady for a third straight month,

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) rose 5.0% year on year in July 2026, the strongest reading since August 2022. Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 1.8% year on year and just 0.2% month on month, keeping annual consumer inflation broadly unchanged.

The rise in consumer prices was driven mainly by the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category, which climbed 4.2% year on year. For many residents in Riyadh and Jeddah, housing-related costs remain the biggest factor shaping monthly household budgets.

What pushed wholesale prices higher

The jump in wholesale inflation was led by other transportable goods, up 10%. Within that group, basic chemicals surged 67%, while transportable goods excluding metal products, machinery and equipment rose 10%.

The gap between wholesale and consumer inflation matters for households and businesses alike. Wholesale prices reflect what producers and suppliers pay before goods reach store shelves, and sustained increases can eventually feed through to retail prices over time. For now, the steady CPI reading suggests consumers are not yet seeing those pressures translate into sharply higher everyday costs.

Saudi Living will continue to follow the monthly inflation data and how it affects the cost of living for residents and expats across the Kingdom.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving