Jamaica’s inflation ticks up in October, driven by food prices
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s consumer prices rose by 0.7 per cent in October, with higher costs for food and electricity being the main drivers.
The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), in a monthly report on Monday, shared that the increase brought the point-to-point inflation rate for the 12 months to October 2025 to 2.9 per cent.
The most significant pressure came from the “Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages” division, which saw a 1.5 per cent increase from the previous month. This was largely due to a sharp 5.5 per cent rise in the cost of vegetables, tubers and pulses, with items such as carrot, cabbage and sweet potato notably more expensive.
The “Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels” division also contributed significantly, rising 0.8 per cent, influenced primarily by higher electricity rates.
These increases were partially offset by a 0.3 per cent decline in the “Transport” division, as lower petrol prices provided some relief to consumers.
Over the longer term, the annual inflation rate of 2.9 per cent was mainly propelled by three sectors: “Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages” (3.0%), “Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels” (4.0%), and “Restaurant and Accommodation Services” (4.0%).
STATIN noted that the data for October was collected during scheduled price collection periods in the first and third weeks of the month, which concluded prior to the passage of Hurricane Melissa. The figures, therefore, do not reflect any potential price impacts from that weather event.
The institute is Jamaica’s national statistics office and the primary source for official economic data.
