KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s annual inflation rate rose to 5.4 per cent in May as households paid more for fresh produce, restaurant meals, electricity and petrol.

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) said consumer prices increased by 1.5 per cent during the month, reversing a 0.3 per cent decline in April and producing the strongest monthly increase since November 2025.

The annual rate, which measures the change in prices between May 2025 and May 2026, climbed from 4.3 per cent in April. It remains within the Bank of Jamaica’s target range of four to six per cent, but is now closer to the upper end.

Food was the main driver of the increase.

The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages division rose by 1.9 per cent in May, largely because of higher prices for agricultural produce including tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, ripe bananas and pineapples.

Prices for vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses increased by 4.8 per cent, while fruits and nuts rose by 4.7 per cent. Fish and seafood prices increased by 1.2 per cent and meat prices rose by 0.9 per cent.

The cost of eating away from home also increased sharply.

Statin reported a 5.7 per cent rise in the Restaurants and Accommodation Services division, driven mainly by higher prices for meals purchased outside the home.

Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels increased by 0.7 per cent, mainly because of higher electricity rates. The increase was partly offset by lower water supply and sewage charges.

Transport costs rose by 0.9 per cent, reflecting higher petrol prices and a 3.1 per cent increase in the cost of operating personal vehicles.

The increase was felt across the country, though rural households recorded the highest monthly inflation rate.

Prices rose by 1.7 per cent in rural areas, compared with 1.5 per cent in other urban centres and 1.3 per cent in the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area.

Over the 12 months to May, food prices increased by 8.7 per cent, well above the overall inflation rate.

The largest annual food increase was recorded for fruits and nuts, which rose by 34.3 per cent. Prices for vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses increased by 10.4 per cent, while fish and seafood rose by 11.7 per cent.

Restaurants and Accommodation Services increased by 6.9 per cent over the year, while transport prices rose by 3.1 per cent.

Despite the May increase, the overall consumer price index remained 0.2 per cent below its December 2025 level, reflecting price declines earlier in the year.

Statin said the All-Jamaica Consumer Price Index moved to 149.6 in May, up from 147.4 in April.