Consumer goods prices mixed in Saudi Arabia in March

Prices of 121 consumer goods rose on an annual basis in Saudi Arabia in March, while 38 commodities dipped in the same period, the monthly inflation report published by Saudi General Authority for Statistics showed.

Within the foodstuff group, prices of 22 products retreated in March, 65 increased, and a single product remained unchanged. Chinese garlic saw the biggest drop in price at 23 percent, while soft drinks jumped the most by 63 percent in the month.

Saudi Arabia rolled out a 100 percent selective tax on tobacco products and energy drinks in June, and a 50 percent tax on carbonated soft drinks.

The prices of 14 non-food commodities also increased, with Marlboro cigarettes rising the most by 109 percent. Only women's apparel dropped by 1 percent.

Elsewhere, prices of most construction materials rose in March. Concrete 250k prices saw the biggest decline of 5 percent, while prices of Chinese cables rose the most by 26 percent.

Demand for construction materials has fallen in the Kingdom as the sector continues to face a slowdown, on tight government spending, amid low oil prices.