Antigua and Barbuda recorded a decline in headline inflation for the 12 months ending February 2026, even as prices edged upward on a monthly basis, reflecting mixed movements across key categories of household spending.
According to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics within the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance, the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—the primary measure of inflation—fell by 0.8 per cent year-on-year when compared with February 2025. This indicates an overall easing in the general price level across the economy over the past year.
The decline in annual inflation was largely driven by reductions in food prices and several non-food categories. The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages index decreased by 1.1 per cent over the 12-month period, while the index for all items excluding food and energy fell by 0.8 per cent.
Within the food category, notable decreases were recorded for fruits and vegetables, which fell by 11.8 per cent and 3.8 per cent respectively. Prices also declined for meat and meat products (down 3.6 per cent), oils and fats (down 2.3 per cent), and bread and cereals (down 1.3 per cent). However, these reductions were partially offset by increases in other sub-categories, including fish and seafood, which rose by 12.3 per cent, alongside modest increases in milk, cheese and eggs and other food products.
Outside of food, several categories also contributed to the overall decline in inflation. The cost of materials for the maintenance and repair of dwellings dropped by 5.8 per cent, while actual rental prices for housing fell by 3.9 per cent. Additional decreases were observed in health (down 4.4 per cent), miscellaneous goods and services (down 4.6 per cent), and household furnishings and maintenance (down 3.4 per cent).
Despite the year-on-year decline, the monthly data for February 2026 pointed to a modest rebound in prices. The CPI rose by 0.2 per cent in February after a sharp 1.9 per cent decline in January.
This monthly increase was driven in part by higher food prices, which rose by 0.4 per cent following a decline in the previous month. The rise was led by a significant increase in fish and seafood prices, which jumped 13.0 per cent, including a 40.9 per cent surge in fresh, chilled or frozen seafood. Smaller increases were recorded for vegetables and dairy products.
However, not all food items followed this trend. Meat and meat products fell sharply by 4.6 per cent, while bread and cereals declined by 3.1 per cent during the month.
Meanwhile, the Non-Alcoholic Beverages index decreased by 2.3 per cent in February, reflecting lower prices for soft drinks, mineral water, and fruit and vegetable juices.
In the non-food segment, the index for all items excluding food and energy rose by 0.2 per cent, reversing a 0.9 per cent decline in January. This increase was largely attributed to higher transport costs, with transport services rising by 4.5 per cent. Prices for alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics also increased by 2.2 per cent, alongside a 1.5 per cent rise in household furnishings and maintenance.
The data further showed that price movements across the economy remained evenly balanced, with six of the twelve major expenditure categories recording increases and six recording decreases over the year. This balance underscores the mixed nature of inflationary pressures currently affecting consumers.
The CPI is derived from a representative “basket” of 466 goods and services commonly purchased by households, with prices collected monthly and quarterly from businesses across the country. The index, which uses 2019 as its base year, remains a key indicator for assessing cost-of-living trends and informing economic policy.
Overall, the February 2026 figures suggest that while inflationary pressures have eased over the past year, short-term price fluctuations persist, particularly within food and transport categories, which continue to influence the cost of living for households in Antigua and Barbuda.
