Inflation in Antigua and Barbuda declined by 0.8 percent in February, driven largely by falling food prices that have offered some relief to household budgets across the twin-island nation.
According to Antigua News Room, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics show that the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index fell by 1.1 percent over the 12-month period, with several staple items recording notable price reductions.
Fruit prices led the declines, dropping by 11.8 percent over the year. Vegetables fell by 3.8 percent, meat and meat products declined by 3.6 percent, and bread and cereals were down 1.3 percent. Non-alcoholic beverages also recorded a significant decrease of 3.3 percent.
The broader food index declined by 0.8 percent year-on-year, reflecting lower costs across five of the nine major supermarket food groups.
Not all food categories trended downward, however. Fish and seafood prices surged by 12.3 percent over the year, while milk, cheese and eggs edged up by 0.5 percent — underscoring the uneven nature of price movements within the food sector.
On a monthly basis, inflation edged slightly higher, with the Consumer Price Index rising by 0.2 percent in February following a 1.9 percent decline in January. While the food index remained flat month-to-month, individual categories showed mixed results, with falling prices for meat and bread partially offset by increases in seafood and vegetables.
The latest figures indicate that easing food prices are playing a central role in reducing broader inflationary pressures, even as cost increases in other sectors continue to shape the overall cost-of-living outlook for residents.
