Jamaica’s annual inflation rate slowed to 5.2 per cent in May 2025, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) reported on Monday, though essential categories like food and utilities continued to outpace broader price trends.

The All-Jamaica Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.4 per cent month-on-month, rebounding from April’s 0.4 per cent contraction. This marked the third-consecutive month of subdued price movements following March’s flat reading (0.0%), but critical sectors showed sustained upward pressure.

The main contributor to the increase in the CPI was a 1.5 per cent increase in the index of the ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’ division. This increase was influenced primarily by a 4.4 per cent rise in the index of the ‘Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’ group.

The inflation rate was also impacted by a 0.9 per cent increase in the index of the ‘Restaurant and Accommodation Services’ division due to increased prices for meals consumed away from home.

Overall Food & Beverages: +6.5 per cent year over year (YoY) but only +0.1 per cent month over month (MoM)

Key Drivers of

Fish/Seafood: +1.0%

Cereals: +0.4%

Vegetables: -0.4% (though +8.7% YoY)

Fruits: -1.6% (but +18.3% YoY)

Starchy Foods: Tubers/plantains fell 3.3%, yet remain +22.1% YoY.