By Zoila Palma: Data from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) shows that consumer prices increased slightly in January 2026, with the national inflation rate recorded at 0.04 percent.
Despite the minimal change in overall inflation, price increases were recorded across several categories.
Higher costs were observed in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels, Health, and Restaurants and Accommodation Services.
SIB noted that the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages category saw an inflation rate of 0.9 percent, driven by a 0.6 percent increase in food prices and a 2.4 percent rise in non-alcoholic beverages.
Within the food category, higher prices were recorded for fresh meats, which rose by 2.3 percent, as well as cereal products including bread and bakery items, which increased by 1.3 percent.
Meanwhile, several beverages also saw noticeable price increases.
The cost of instant coffee rose by 9.7 percent, while prices for fruit and vegetable juices increased by 2.3 percent.
The price of purified water rose by 1.9 percent, and soft drinks increased by 1.3 percent, contributing to the overall rise in the beverage sub-category.
The Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels category recorded an inflation rate of 0.8 percent, largely due to higher home rental costs compared to January 2025, SIB noted.
The post Consumer prices rise marginally in January 2026, says Statistical Institute of Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Data from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) shows that consumer prices increased slightly in January 2026, with the national inflation rate recorded at 0.04 percent. Despite the minimal change in overall inflation, price increases were recorded across several categories. Higher costs were observed in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Housing, Water, Electricity,
The post Consumer prices rise marginally in January 2026, says Statistical Institute of Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
