Antigua and Barbuda’s latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report shows a notable slowdown in inflation, marked by a dramatic decrease in airline fares, even as food prices continue to rise.

Transportation Costs Lead the Decline

In a significant development for travelers, airline fares have plummeted by 21 percent over the past year, with average fares dropping from $3,668.68 to $2,538.69. This reduction was particularly evident in flights to Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom, contributing to a substantial 33.7 percent month-over-month decline in transportation services.

The transportation sector as a whole saw a 15.5 percent decrease in September, playing a crucial role in moderating overall inflation figures.

Overall Inflation Shows Signs of Cooling

The Statistics Division reports that the overall inflation rate reached 5.6 percent for the 12 months ending September 2024, representing the lowest annual increase since March 2024’s 4.9 percent. The monthly CPI showed a 2.3 percent decrease in September, reversing August’s 2.3 percent increase.

Food Prices Continue Upward Trend

Despite the positive developments in transportation costs, food prices continue to pose challenges for consumers:

• Overall food prices rose 3.7 percent year-over-year
• A sharp 5.9 percent increase occurred between August and September 2024
• Non-alcoholic beverages saw an 11.7 percent increase over the past year

Specific food categories showing significant price increases include:

• Meat and meat products: 8.5 percent
• Sugars, jam, honey, chocolate, and confectionery: 7.7 percent
• Milk, cheese, and eggs: 6.4 percent
• Bread and cereals: 5 percent

The food and non-alcoholic beverages index continued its upward trend with a 0.7 percent increase in September, contrasting with the overall downward movement in the CPI.

These mixed trends in consumer prices reflect the complex economic dynamics at play, with significant relief in transportation costs being partially offset by continued pressure on food prices. The moderation in the overall inflation rate suggests some easing of price pressures, though consumers continue to face higher costs for essential food items.

Source: Observer NewsCo Ltd.