Antigua and Barbuda’s annual inflation rate eased in June 2026, offering some relief after several months of elevated price increases. However, rising electricity costs continued to exert significant pressure on household budgets, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The country’s year-on-year inflation rate slowed to 3.7 per cent for the twelve months ending June 2026, down from 4.1 per cent recorded in May. While the overall pace of inflation moderated, the Energy Index remained the single largest contributor to rising consumer prices, increasing 20.6 per cent over the past year.
The sharp rise in energy costs was driven largely by electricity prices, which climbed 42.9 per cent as the fuel variation rate increased from 0.56 cents to 0.80 cents during the 12-month period.
Food prices also continued to edge upward, though at a much slower pace. The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index rose 1.7 per cent over the year, with increases recorded in several key categories. Fish and seafood prices posted the largest gain at 8.5 per cent, followed by vegetables (4.4 per cent), oils and fats (3.2 per cent), and other food products (1.9 per cent). Offsetting some of those increases were declines in fruit prices, which fell 9.2 per cent, and meat prices, which dropped 4.8 per cent.
Underlying inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, also showed signs of easing. The All Items Less Food and Energy Index increased 2.5 per cent, compared with 3.7 per cent in May. Despite the slowdown, notable annual increases were recorded in recreation and culture (30.2 per cent), education (13.3 per cent), transport services (10.3 per cent), restaurants and hotels (4.5 per cent), and actual rentals for housing (3.1 per cent).
On a month-to-month basis, consumer prices rose 0.6 per cent in June, reflecting continued increases in food and utility costs. The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index advanced 0.9 per cent, while the Food Index itself recorded a modest 0.1 per cent increase.
Within the food category, bread and cereals increased 1.6 per cent, while oils and fats rose 1.4 per cent. In contrast, milk, cheese and eggs declined 2.8 per cent, largely due to lower prices for preserved milk and other milk products.
Energy prices continued to climb during the month, with the Energy Index increasing 7.6 per cent following a 13.0 per cent rise in May. Electricity prices alone rose 14.3 per cent after another adjustment to the fuel variation rate.
Meanwhile, the All Items Less Food and Energy Index declined 0.1 per cent during June, with slight decreases recorded in alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics, as well as actual rentals for housing.
The latest figures suggest that while overall inflationary pressures are beginning to ease, higher utility costs—particularly electricity—continue to have a significant impact on the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda. At the same time, more modest food price increases and softer underlying inflation indicate that broader price growth may be stabilising after a period of sustained inflation.
