March 17, 2026
The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) reported that as of February 2026, the point‑to‑point inflation rate was +3.9%, the same rate reported between January 2026 and January 2025. Compared to January 2026, the All‑Jamaica Consumer Price Index (CPI) declined by 0.9% in February 2026.
The All Jamaica Consumer Price Index (CPI) declined by 0.9% in February 2026, largely reflecting a 2.5% reduction in the ‘Food and Non‑Alcoholic Beverages’ division. This outturn was primarily driven by an 11.3% decline in the index for ‘Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses’, stemming from lower prices for several agricultural items. Offsetting some of this downward movement were 0.2% increases in both the ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’ and the ‘Transport’ divisions, mainly due to higher electricity rates and increased petrol prices, respectively.
The All Jamaica point‑to‑point inflation rate for the period February 2025 to February 2026 was 3.9%. The divisions contributing most to this outturn were ‘Food and Non‑Alcoholic Beverages’ (+5.1%), ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’ (+5.0%), and ‘Personal Care, Social Protection and Miscellaneous Goods and Services’ (+4.1%).
Within the ‘Food and Non‑Alcoholic Beverages’ division, the largest impact came from a 12.2% increase in the ‘Fish and other seafood’ class, reflecting higher prices for salted fish, salted mackerel, canned mackerel and sliced fish. There was also a 5.4% rise in the ‘Meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals’ class, driven mainly by higher prices for whole chicken, chicken back and mixed parts.
In the ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’ division, the 5.0% increase was influenced primarily by a 5.1% rise in ‘Imputed Rentals for Housing’, alongside a 4.4% increase in ‘Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’, reflecting higher household rent and electricity rates.
The 4.1% increase in the ‘Personal Care, Social Protection and Miscellaneous Goods and Services’ division was mainly attributable to a 4.1% rise in the ‘Personal Care’ group, driven by higher costs for services at hairdressing salons and barber shops.
MAJOR CPI DIVISION MOVEMENTS
The ‘Food and Non‑Alcoholic Beverages’ division declined by 2.5%, driven mainly by a 2.6% fall in the ‘Food’ group. This reflected a sharp 11.3% decline in ‘Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses’ and a 1.5% reduction in ‘Ready‑made foods and other food products n.e.c.’, due to lower prices for items such as cabbage, carrot, escallion, sweet pepper, tomato and Irish potato. The overall decrease was partly tempered by increases in other food classes, most notably ‘Meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals’ (+0.6%). The ‘Non‑Alcoholic Beverages’ group saw all classes rising: ‘Fruit and vegetable juices’ (+0.2%), ‘Coffee, Tea, Cocoa’ (+0.3%) and ‘Water, Soft Drinks and Other Non‑Alcoholic Beverages’ (+0.4%).
Point‑to‑point inflation rate: 5.1%
The index for ‘Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Narcotics’ division rose by 0.1%, driven by a 0.2% increase in ‘Alcoholic Beverages’. All categories within this group recorded slight increases, including ‘Spirits and liquors’ (+0.1%), ‘Wine’ (+0.1%) and ‘Beer’ (+0.2%).
Point‑to‑point inflation rate: 2.3%
The index for ‘Clothing and Footwear’ division increased by 0.2%. This movement was led by a 0.2% rise in the ‘Clothing’ group, while the ‘Footwear’ group also expanded by 0.3%.
Point‑to‑point inflation rate: 3.0%
The index for ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’ recorded a 0.2% increase, primarily due to higher electricity rates, which resulted in a 1.2% rise in ‘Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’. Additionally, ‘Maintenance, Repair and Security of the Dwelling’ increased by 2.0%, influenced by higher fees from tradesmen such as carpenters, masons, painters, plumbers and electricians. These upward movements were partially offset by a 2.3% decline in ‘Water Supply and Miscellaneous Services Relating to the Dwelling’, reflecting lower water and sewage charges.
Point‑to‑point inflation rate: 5.0%
The index ‘Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance’ division rose by 0.2%, with most groups registering increases. Notable contributors included ‘Furniture, Furnishings and Loose Carpets’ (+0.6%) and ‘Household Appliances’ (+0.3%), while ‘Household Textiles’ and ‘Goods and Services for Routine Household Maintenance’ each increased by 0.2%.
Point‑to‑point inflation rate: 3.3%
The index ‘Health’ division increased by 0.5%, driven mainly by a 0.5% rise in ‘Medicines and Health Products’, due to higher prices for prescription medications such as antibiotics and asthma inhalers. The ‘Outpatient Care Services’ group also rose by 0.3%, reflecting increased specialist consultation fees.
Point‑to‑point inflation rate: 4.1%
The index ‘Transport’ division recorded a 0.2% increase, largely influenced by a 0.9% rise in ‘Fuels and Lubricants for Personal Transport Equipment’, driven by higher petrol prices.
Point‑to‑point inflation rate: 0.3%
The index ‘Recreation, Sport and Culture’ division increased by 0.2%, mainly due to a 0.2% rise in ‘Newspapers, Books and Stationery’, following higher prices for newspapers and stationery items.
Point‑to‑point inflation rate: 3.4%
The index ‘Restaurants and Accommodation Services’ division rose by 0.2%, reflecting higher prices for meals consumed away from home.
Point‑to‑point inflation rate: 2.0%
The index ‘Personal Care, Social Protection and Miscellaneous Goods and Services’ division increased by 0.3%, driven by higher prices for several personal care goods and services.
Point‑to‑point inflation rate: 4.1%
Individual Divisional Monthly Changes – February 2026
- Food and Non‑Alcoholic Beverages: (-2.5%)
- Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Narcotics: (+0.1%)
- Clothing and Footwear: (+0.2%)
- Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels: (+0.2%)
- Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance: (+0.2%)
- Health: (+0.5%)
- Transport: (+0.2%)
- Recreation, Sport and Culture: (+0.2%)
- Restaurants and Accommodation Services: (+0.2%)
- Personal Care, Social Protection and Miscellaneous Goods and Services: (+0.3%)
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