Inflation Saudi Arabia 2018
Average inflation: 2.4%
Current Inflation
Inflation is normal at 2.4%, around the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 3.1%. The lowest inflation was in December at 1.9%.
- Highest month
- January: 3.1%
- Lowest month
- December: 1.9%
- Difference
- 1.2 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics with an average of 28.4%. The lowest price increase was in Clothing and footwear with an average of -7.0%.
- Highest increase
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics: 28.4%
- Lowest increase
- Clothing and footwear: -7.0%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.0% higher than the 5-year average of 1.4%.
- 5-year average
- 1.4%
- 10-year average
- 3%
- All-time high (2008)
- 9.9%
- All-time low (2001)
- -1.1%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2017, the difference is minimal (+3.2 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- +3.2 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- November: +4.3 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 0.4% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this inflation rate, purchasing power noticeably decreases. Without a salary increase, you can buy less with the same money.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €102.40 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2018
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3.1% | +3.6 |
| February | 2.9% | +3.5 |
| March | 2.9% | +3.6 |
| April | 2.5% | +3.2 |
| May | 2.4% | +3.1 |
| June | 2.3% | +2.8 |
| July | 2.2% | +3.0 |
| August | 2.3% | +3.0 |
| September | 2.1% | +2.9 |
| October | 2.1% | +3.3 |
| November | 2.6% | +4.3 |
| December | 1.9% | +3.0 |
| Average | 2.4% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 13/01/2026.