The wholesale price index (WPI) in Saudi Arabia increased by 4.6% in August 2026 compared to the same period last year. This increase is particularly influenced by an 8.2% rise in the prices of other transportable goods and a 2.2% rise in the prices of metal products, machinery, and equipment.
Significant Increase in Chemical and Metal Product Prices
According to published reports, the prices of basic chemicals have seen a significant increase of 51.4% compared to last year. This increase in the chemical sector indicates substantial changes in the market for these products.
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Alongside this, the prices of metal products, machinery, and equipment have also increased by 2.2% compared to last year. This increase is influenced by a 5.4% rise in the prices of base metals and a 10.5% rise in the prices of fabricated metal products.
Developments in Agricultural and Mineral Product Prices
The prices of agricultural and fishery products also increased by 4.8% this month, driven by a 9% rise in agricultural product prices. In contrast, the prices of ores and minerals decreased by 1.8%, related to the drop in the prices of stone and sand.
The prices of food items, beverages, tobacco, and textiles remained stable this month, showing no significant changes. Compared to last month, the wholesale price index decreased by 0.2%.
The prices of other transportable goods also decreased by 1%, which is related to a 6.2% drop in the prices of basic chemicals and a 0.5% decrease in the prices of glass and non-metallic products. Additionally, the prices of agricultural and fishery products decreased by 1.5% compared to last month, due to an 8.5% drop in the prices of live animals and animal products.
Conversely, the prices of metal products, machinery, and equipment increased by 0.8% compared to last month, which is related to an 8.6% rise in the prices of fabricated metal products. The prices of food items, beverages, tobacco, and textiles increased by 0.6%, while the prices of meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, oils, and fats rose by 2.6%, and dairy product prices increased by 0.3%.
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