The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) has reported that the point-to-point domestic inflation rate for September rose to 2.1 per cent, up from a record low of 1.2 per cent in August. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) also increased by 0.8 per cent for the month.
Speaking at STATIN’s Quarterly Press Briefing at S Hotel in Kingston, Acting Director of Administrative Statistics Siomara McDonald identified the main contributors to the inflation uptick as the ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’ division, which rose by 4.8 per cent, and the ‘Restaurants and Accommodation Services’ division, which increased by 4.1 per cent.
“However, this continued slowdown in the inflation rate is a result of low increases in two of the heavier-weighted divisions,” McDonald noted. She highlighted that ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ rose by just 0.7 per cent — markedly lower than last year’s six per cent increase — while ‘Transport’ moved up only 0.3 per cent compared to a 9.1 per cent spike in September 2024.
The CPI’s 0.8 per cent increase reflects changes in the general price level of goods and services typically purchased by Jamaican households. The main contributors were ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’, which rose by 0.9 per cent (primarily due to a one per cent increase in food prices), and ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels’, which increased by one per cent, largely due to higher electricity rates.
Additionally, the Education division recorded a 5.6 per cent increase, reflecting adjustments in tuition fees and back-to-school expenses.
McDonald emphasized that these movements underscore the ongoing influence of utility-related costs, service sector price adjustments, and seasonal factors affecting food and education, while also noting that inflation remains relatively low compared with historical averages.
 reported that the point-to-point domestic inflation rate for September rose to 2.1 per cent.){kind=link}