Prices of 151 Saudi commodities rise in October

Prices of 10 goods and services in Saudi Arabia decreased year-on-year (YoY) in October 2020, while prices of 151 out of 166 commodities rose, official data issued by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) showed.

Starting July 2020, Saudi Arabia began implementing a 15% VAT.

Out of the 91 food products, canned orange juice recorded the biggest rise of 66.35% YoY. It was followed by American cardamom with a 63.14% increase YoY.

On the other hand, local dates and Chinese garlic saw the steepest decline at 6.46% and 5.07% YoY, respectively.

Meanwhile, prices of all construction materials increased for the month of October, compared to last year.

Prices of all 11 fodder and livestock products increased in October on a YoY basis.

For clothes, nine commodities saw an increase, while one declined.

Three out four personal services saw a YoY rise in October.

Prices of all four detergents increased when compared to the previous year.

Elsewhere, prices of all healthcare services were up in the same period.

Similarly, prices of both services under the maintenance and repair of personal means of transportation grew in October YoY.

Prices of the serviced-apartment and hotel rose by 11.77% and 0.38%, respectively, in October.

Under tobacco, prices of Marlboro cigarettes rose by 13% per pack YoY.