Preliminary data released by General Authority for Statistics showed that non-oil industrial activity in Saudi Arabia remained resilient during March 2026 despite weaker oil-related production and ongoing volatility in global energy markets.
According to the report, non-oil industrial activity increased by 1.4 percent compared with February, supported by stable performance across several manufacturing and utility sectors, reflecting continued progress toward the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s overall Industrial Production Index recorded a year-on-year decline of 14.1 percent in March due to lower oil activity and weaker mining and quarrying output.
GASTAT explained that oil-related activities declined by 20 percent compared with the same month last year, while non-oil activities maintained levels close to previous performance and achieved monthly growth.
The decline in oil-related production coincided with broader turbulence in global energy markets following lower output from OPEC+ and concerns regarding reduced Middle Eastern energy supplies.
Mining and quarrying activity also dropped by 22.2 percent year on year and 36 percent compared with February.
Manufacturing activity declined 4.7 percent annually, mainly affected by weaker production of coke, refined petroleum products, and chemicals.
However, several industrial segments continued to show positive growth. Basic metals production rose by 9 percent year on year, while paper and paper products increased by 2 percent.
Non-metallic mineral products edged higher by 0.8 percent, and beverage production rose 0.5 percent, reflecting steady demand across selected manufacturing sectors.
Outside manufacturing, electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply activities recorded annual growth of 10.1 percent, while water supply, sewerage, and waste management activities increased by 1.1 percent.
Economists believe the continued resilience of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil industrial sector highlights the Kingdom’s success in expanding economic diversification efforts through investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial development projects.
