RIYADH: In an era where inflation drives up costs worldwide, Saudi Arabia offers a striking exception: the price of bread has remained unchanged for over a decade. Across the Kingdom, a bundle of five pieces of traditional bread still costs just 1 Saudi Riyal (approximately $0.27), a testament to the country’s commitment to keeping essentials affordable.
This remarkable stability stems from a long-standing policy of shielding staple foods from market fluctuations. Unlike many nations where bread prices have soared, Saudi Arabia’s government has prioritized food security, ensuring that this dietary cornerstone remains accessible to all. Local bakeries, from bustling urban hubs to quieter rural towns, continue to sell the familiar flatbreads—often pita or samoli—at this unbeatable rate, a practice unchanged for at least 12 years.
The secret? A combination of subsidies and tax exemptions. While the Kingdom has phased out subsidies in other sectors as part of its Vision 2030 economic reforms, bread has been spared. No taxes are levied on its production or sale, keeping costs low for both bakers and consumers. This policy echoes a broader ethos of supporting citizens’ basic needs, even as global wheat prices fluctuate.
For residents, the 1 Riyal deal is more than a bargain—it’s a cultural touchstone. “Five pieces for a Riyal feels like a promise kept,” said Ahmed Al-Mansouri, a Riyadh shopkeeper. “It’s what I paid as a kid, and it’s what my children pay now.” Bakers, too, take pride in the tradition. Hassan, a third-generation baker in Jeddah, noted, “We’ve modernized our ovens, but the price? That stays the same. It’s how we serve the community.”
The affordability hasn’t gone unnoticed online, with posts on X praising the Kingdom’s bread pricing as a model of stability. Some marvel at how a dozen years have passed without a hike, while others contrast it with rising costs elsewhere. Economists point to Saudi Arabia’s strategic grain reserves and the Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO), which manages wheat imports and milling, as key to this feat.
Still, questions linger about sustainability. With global supply chains under pressure and subsidy cuts elsewhere, can this price hold? For now, Saudi officials remain tight-lipped, but the bread stalls tell the story: five pieces, one Riyal, and a 12-year streak unbroken.
