KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 6.7 per cent in June, its highest level since January 2024 and above the Bank of Jamaica’s (BOJ) target ceiling, as higher route taxi fares added to steep food-price increases and rising household costs.

The point-to-point rate rose from 5.5 per cent in May and exceeded the BOJ’s target range of four to six per cent for the first time since February 2024.

Data released Wednesday by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) showed that the Consumer Price Index increased by 0.8 per cent during June, slowing from the 1.6 per cent monthly increase recorded in May.

Transport was the main contributor to the June movement, with the division’s index rising 4.3 per cent after route taxi and hackney carriage fares increased by 8.0 per cent, effective June 2.

The index for passenger transport by road consequently increased by 6.2 per cent. Higher petrol prices also pushed the index for fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment up 1.7 per cent during the month.

Over the 12 months to June, transport costs increased by 7.3 per cent, while petrol-related costs were up 15.9 per cent.

Consumers also continued to face significantly higher food prices. The index for food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 0.7 per cent in June and was 9.8 per cent higher than a year earlier.

STATIN said the monthly increase was driven primarily by higher prices for carrots, cabbage, onions and sweet peppers.

The longer-term increases were more pronounced. Prices for fruits and nuts were 34.2 per cent higher than in June 2025, while the index covering tubers, plantains and cooking bananas increased by 38 per cent. Fish and seafood prices rose 12.6 per cent, while meat prices increased by 6.1 per cent.

Housing costs also moved higher during June. The index for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose 0.5 per cent, reflecting higher household rental costs and electricity charges.

The cost pressures were strongest in the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area, where annual inflation reached 7.2 per cent and food prices were 11.1 per cent higher than a year earlier. Annual inflation stood at 6.8 per cent in other urban centres and 6.2 per cent in rural areas.

Despite the acceleration in the annual rate, prices have increased by only 0.6 per cent since December. The rise in point-to-point inflation partly reflects price increases recorded during the second half of 2025, as well as the removal of June 2025 — when prices fell 0.3 per cent — from the annual comparison.

The BOJ had warned in May that inflation could temporarily breach its target during the June and September quarters amid higher international fuel prices and transportation costs.

The central bank maintained its policy rate at 5.5 per cent in May, saying inflation should eventually return to target as geopolitical tensions and international energy prices moderate. It has, however, cautioned that a prolonged conflict, adverse weather and stronger domestic spending could keep price pressures elevated.