GASTAT measures prices through a fixed basket of 490 goods and services paid by consumers
The annual inflation rate in Saudi Arabia reached 2.3 percent in April 2025, GASTAT repoted. This rate positions the Kingdom among the G20 nations with the lowest inflation.
According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the price of a fixed basket of 490 goods and services paid by consumers. This basket is selected based on a 2018 household income and expenditure survey, which determined the items and their respective weights. Prices are collected through on-site visits to sales points, and the CPI statistics are published monthly.
Annual wholesale price inflation in Saudi Arabia accelerated to 2.0 percent in April 2025, up from 1.5 percent in the previous month, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). This represented the highest wholesale inflation rate since October 2024, primarily driven by a faster increase in the costs of agricultural and fishery products (4.5 percent vs. 3.6 percent) and other transportable goods, excluding metal products, machinery, and equipment (4.1 percent vs. 3.2 percent). Additionally, GASTAT reported that deflation eased for metal products, machinery, and equipment (-0.1 percent vs. -0.2 percent) and for ores and minerals (-1.7 percent vs. -1.9 percent). Meanwhile, prices for food products, beverages, tobacco, and textiles remained unchanged compared to a 0.1 percent increase in the previous month. On a monthly basis, wholesale prices rose by 0.1 percent in April 2025, down from a 0.4 percent increase in the prior month.
Read more: Saudi economy grows 64 percent to $1.09 trillion in nominal GDP from 2016 to 2023
Oil revenues generate $39.94 billion in Q1 2025
Saudi Arabia’s oil revenues continue to play a crucial role in its economy, generating SAR149.810 billion ($39.94 billion) in the first quarter of 2025. However, this revenue reflects an 18 percent decline compared to the previous year, as the Kingdom navigates the challenges posed by fluctuating oil prices and strategic production cuts.
Despite these hurdles, the government’s commitment to its Vision 2030 initiative remains steadfast, focusing on transformative projects aimed at reducing dependence on oil. While the Kingdom’s total revenues saw a 10 percent decrease to SAR263.616 billion ($70.3 billion), public spending increased by 5 percent to SAR322.317 billion ($85.9 billion) during the same period, according to a recent statement from the Finance Ministry.