KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s consumer prices increased by 0.8 per cent in September, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) said on Wednesday, driven by higher costs for food, housing and education.

The rise pushed the annual point-to-point inflation rate for September 2024 to September 2025 to 2.1 per cent.

The most significant monthly price increases were seen in the education sector, which jumped 5.6 per cent due to higher tuition fees for private primary schools at the start of the new term. The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels division rose 1.0 per cent, reflecting increased electricity rates and rental costs.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices climbed 0.9 per cent, influenced mainly by higher prices for agricultural produce such as sweet potato, tomato, carrot, and cabbage.

Over the twelve months to September 2025, the main contributors to the 2.1 per cent inflation rate were the housing division, which increased 4.8 per cent, and restaurant and accommodation services, which rose 4.1 per cent. Food and non-alcoholic beverages saw a more modest annual increase of 0.7 per cent.

Inflation varied across regions. The Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area experienced the highest monthly increase at 1.0 per cent, while other urban centres and rural areas saw rises of 0.8 per cent and 0.6 per cent, respectively.

Other sectors also saw upward pressure. Transport costs increased 0.3 per cent for the month, attributed to higher petrol prices and toll fees. Prices for personal care goods and services rose 0.5 per cent.

These increases were partially offset by stability or deflation in other categories. The information and communication division recorded a 0.0 per cent monthly change and was down 5.8 per cent year-on-year. Insurance and financial services saw no change for the month or the year.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures changes in the general level of prices for goods and services purchased by households.