Saudi Living Cost Index Increases by 2.8 pct in September

(MENAFN- QNA) The general index of living cost in Saudi Arabia for September has increased by 2.8 percent compared to the same period last year, the Central Department of Statistics and Information (CDSI) said in its monthly report.

The increase is due to a surge in the main sections constituting the index as CDSI said "the section of recreation and culture was up by 10.6 percent; section of household furniture and equipment and their maintenance by 3.8 percent; education by 3.7 percent; section of housing, electricity, gas and other fuels by 3.4 percent; section of health by 3.3 percent and section of goods and miscellaneous services by 3.1 percent," the official SPA news agency reported.

The report further added that the food and beverages section recorded an increase of 2.9 percent followed by restaurants and hotels at 2.5 percent; clothing and footwear by 1.2 percent, and transportation at 0.2 percent.

September's general index hit 130.9 points compared to 130.7 in August, reflecting a 0.2-percent increase for the index in September.