Inflation Edges Upward as Meat and Transport Costs Surge in Antigua and Barbuda

The cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda rose at the end of 2025, driven by a sharp spike in grocery prices and a significant year-end jump in airfares, according to the latest government data.The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2025 recorded a 3.1% annual increase, the Statistics Division of the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance reported Friday. The figures reveal a quickening pace of inflation toward the end of the year, with prices climbing 1.9% in December alone compared to the previous month.

Supermarket Strains: Meat Prices Skyrocket

For many households, the most visible impact was felt at the checkout counter. The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Index rose 2.9% over the year, but that figure masks a much more dramatic surge in the meat aisle.Meat and meat products saw a steep 11.9% increase over the 12-month period. According to the report, beef and veal prices led the surge with a 17.6% jump, while poultry costs rose by 14.7%. Fish and seafood also became significantly more expensive, climbing 8.0% year-over-year.Not all grocery items followed this trend. Consumers found some relief in the produce and pantry sections, where prices for fruit dropped by 5.4%, vegetables fell by 3.9%, and oils and fats decreased by 2.1%.

Travel and Education Drive Service Inflation

Beyond the grocery store, the “All Items Less Food and Energy” index—a measure of underlying inflation—rose 3.0%annually.Transportation costs emerged as a major factor, with transport services skyrocketing 35.6% over the last year. This was punctuated by a massive 34.6% monthly spike in airfares in December, likely reflecting peak holiday travel demand.Other essential services also saw upward pressure:

• Education costs climbed 13.3%.
• Restaurants and Hotels rose 5.1%.
• Housing Rentals saw a more moderate increase of 2.5%.

Monthly Snapshot

The month-to-month data for December showed a widespread rise in prices, with eight out of nine supermarket food groups recording increases. While the food index jumped 3.5% in a single month, there were isolated areas of decline, including a minor 0.1% dip in health costs and a 0.4% decrease in furnishings and household equipment.

Methodology

The CPI tracks the average change in prices for a “basket” of goods and services typically purchased by households. These figures are based on expenditure patterns established in 2006, with data collected from suppliers and supermarkets across the islands.The full report for December 2025 is available on the National Bureau of Statistics website at www.statistics.gov.ag.