By Zoila Palma: Data from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) noted that the inflation rate rose to 1.9 percent in March 2026, driven largely by higher fuel prices, increased food costs and electricity tariffs.
SIB reported that the All-Items CPI, which measures overall price levels across all categories of consumer goods and services, stood at 121.9 in March 2026, up from 119.7 recorded during the same month in 2025. The increase reflects continued upward pressure on household spending as consumers face rising costs across key sectors.
Among the main contributors to the increase was the “Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages” category, which recorded a 2 percent rise compared to March last year.
The “Food” sub-category increased by 1.9 percent, with notable price hikes in meats including pork, beef and poultry products, which rose by 2.7 percent.
Sugar prices climbed sharply by 12.8 percent, while cereal products such as bread and bakery items increased by 1.5 percent. Fresh fruits, including avocados, also saw a 6.2 percent rise.
The “Non-Alcoholic Beverages” sub-category posted a 2.6 percent increase, driven by higher prices for instant coffees, which surged by 11.8 percent, along with fruit and vegetable juices, soft drinks and purified water.
The Statistical Institute noted that the combined impact of rising food prices, fuel costs and electricity rates were the primary factors behind the March inflation increase.
The post Fuel, Food and Electricity push inflation rate to 1.9% in March appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Data from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) noted that the inflation rate rose to 1.9 percent in March 2026, driven largely by higher fuel prices, increased food costs and electricity tariffs. SIB reported that the All-Items CPI, which measures overall price levels across all categories of consumer goods and services, stood
The post Fuel, Food and Electricity push inflation rate to 1.9% in March appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
