Antigua and Barbuda Inflation Climbs to 4.1% in May, Fuelled by Soaring Electricity Costs

Inflation in Antigua and Barbuda rose to 4.1 percent in May 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, driven largely by sharp increases in electricity prices and housing-related costs. According to Antigua News Room, the figures were drawn from the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels category led the surge, climbing 8.2 percent over the 12-month period and accounting for nearly half of the overall rise in consumer prices. Actual rental costs increased by 6.3 percent, while electricity, gas and other fuels jumped 21.4 percent. Electricity prices alone were up 25 percent compared with May 2025.

The National Bureau of Statistics reported that the Energy Index rose 12 percent during the period, reflecting an increase in the fuel variation charge from 56 cents to 70 cents.

Food prices continued their upward trend, with the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages category rising 2.4 percent year-on-year. The largest contributors to food inflation were food products not elsewhere classified, which rose 8 percent, and vegetables, which increased 6.3 percent.

Several other sectors recorded significant annual increases. Recreation and Culture rose 30.2 percent, Transport Services climbed 19.6 percent, Education increased 13.3 percent, and Restaurants and Hotels edged up 4.5 percent.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.4 percent between April and May 2026, driven mainly by higher food and energy costs. A decline in transport services helped partially offset the increase.

Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages rose 0.9 percent during the month, while the Energy Index increased 13 percent. Electricity prices jumped 27.3 percent from April to May alone. Among food categories, oils and fats recorded the largest monthly increase at 7.1 percent, followed by fruit at 6.7 percent, meat and meat products at 5.6 percent, milk, cheese and eggs at 5.2 percent, and other food products at 4.9 percent.

The National Bureau of Statistics released the May CPI report on June 16. The CPI measures changes in the prices paid by households for a fixed basket of goods and services and serves as the country's principal measure of inflation.