Saudi Arabia's fresh food markets witnessed mixed price movements towards the end of the year, with data from the General Authority for Statistics revealing a noticeable variation in fruit prices in December 2025 compared to November of the same year. This report is part of the periodic monitoring of average prices for goods and services, reflecting the dynamics of supply and demand and the impact of agricultural seasons on local markets.
Key gains: Peaches and oranges lead the way
According to the statistical bulletin, eight types of fruit saw price increases, with Lebanese peaches the list as the most significant rise, jumping 11.3% to reach 17.9 riyals per kilogram, compared to 16.1 riyals the previous month. This increase is largely attributed to the end of the growing season for this fruit in its country of origin, which reduces supply and raises costs.
Egyptian navel oranges also saw a significant increase of 9.5%, rising from 6.7 riyals to 7.4 riyals per kilogram. Indian pomegranates also experienced price hikes, increasing by 5.8% to reach 12.5 riyals. Grape prices also rose; Lebanese grapes increased by 3.9% (to 15.9 riyals), and local grapes by 3.1% (to 14.1 riyals). Pakistani mangoes and cantaloupes saw slight increases of 3.5% and 1.1%, respectively.
Price reductions support the consumer
Conversely, price movements benefited consumers for seven other items, with Pakistani tangerines the largest decline at 7.8%, dropping to 8.7 riyals per kilogram. Plum prices (Bukhari/Turkish) also decreased by 6.6%, reaching 13.7 riyals.
The declines included the price of Sharbatly bananas by 2.6% (5.9 riyals), Lebanese pears by 2.4% (12 riyals), in addition to a slight decrease in the price of American red apples by 2.1%.
Price stability and domestic production
Three key commodities maintained their prices with little change, reflecting a balanced supply. Dates (fresh) at SAR 14.6 per kilogram, and local watermelon at SAR 3.3, highlighting the strong role of domestic production in bolstering food security and stabilizing prices for some essential Saudi staples. Yellow apples and African lemons also remained at the same levels as the previous month.
The economic context and the importance of monitoring
This data is particularly important in the context of monitoring inflation rates and the movement of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Changes in food and beverage prices are a key component of the inflation basket. The contrast between rising imported prices (such as peaches) and stable local prices (such as dates and melons) highlights the importance of national strategies aimed at promoting agricultural self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imports, which are affected by fluctuations in shipping and global supply chains.
