Consumer prices fall 0.8 per cent in January as food costs decline
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Consumer prices fell by 0.8 per cent in January, driven largely by lower food prices, although annual inflation remained within the central bank’s target range, official data showed on Monday.
The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) said the decline in the All-Jamaica Consumer Price Index (CPI) was mainly due to a 2.6 per cent fall in the index for Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages.
Prices for vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses dropped 9.9 per cent, reflecting increased domestic agricultural supply. Ready-made food products fell 8.4 per cent. Lower prices were recorded for items including cabbage, carrot, cucumber, escallion, sweet pepper and tomato.
The fall in food prices was partly offset by a 0.7 per cent rise in the index for Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels, driven by higher water supply and sewage rates. Education costs increased 1.0 per cent due to higher preparatory school fees.
The point-to-point inflation rate for January 2025 to January 2026 stood at 3.9 per cent.
On an annual basis, food prices were up 5.7 per cent, housing costs rose 4.6 per cent and personal care and miscellaneous goods increased 4.1 per cent. Within the food category, fish and seafood prices climbed 12.6 per cent over the period.
All regions recorded monthly declines. Prices fell 0.6 per cent in the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area, 0.8 per cent in Other Urban Centres and 1.0 per cent in Rural Areas.
January’s decline follows a 1.3 per cent increase in December and a 2.4 per cent rise in November, underscoring recent volatility in food-driven price movements.
The Consumer Price Index measures changes in the general level of prices for goods and services purchased by private households.
