By Zoila Palma: Consumer prices in Belize rose by 4.1 percent in July 2026, with higher costs for transportation, housing, electricity, water and food continuing to put pressure on households, according to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).
The national All-Items Consumer Price Index increased to 125.3 in July 2026, up from 120.4 in July 2025. ‘Transport’ was the largest contributor to inflation, with costs rising 12.4 percent, driven by higher prices for all types of motor vehicle fuel and increased passenger transport fares. Diesel recorded the largest increase, rising by $2.98 per gallon to $14.32, while premium gasoline increased to $15.54 and regular gasoline to $13.77 per gallon.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels also became more expensive, increasing 3.9 percent over the year.
The cost of electricity for a household consuming 225 kilowatt-hours per month rose from $84.25 to $91.50, while a household using 4,500 gallons of water saw its monthly bill increase from $86.38 to $91.13. The average price of a 100-pound LPG cylinder also increased by $7.44 to $137.54.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 1.9 percent, with food prices increasing 1.8 percent. Beef and poultry prices climbed 4.6 percent, sugar increased 16.4 percent and bread and bakery products rose 1.8 percent. Meanwhile, coffee prices jumped 13.1 percent, contributing to a 2.1 percent increase in non-alcoholic beverages. Health costs also recorded a notable 7.0 percent increase, largely due to higher hospitalization and surgery fees.
San Ignacio and Santa Elena Towns recorded the highest municipal inflation rate at 5.3 percent, with residents facing above-average increases in transportation, rent, food, medical services, restaurants, clothing and other goods and services.
Despite the continued rise in consumer prices, consumer confidence improved, with the national Consumer Confidence Index increasing 3.6 percent from 41.1 in June to 42.6 in July—the first monthly increase recorded since the start of the year.
Meanwhile, Belize’s external trade figures showed mixed results.
Domestic exports fell largely because sugar export earnings plunged by $18.8 million.
Imports also declined by 1.9 percent to $261.3 million, mainly due to lower imports through the Commercial Free Zone and reduced spending on food, live animals and other manufactures.
However, imports of mineral fuels and lubricants, as well as machinery and transport equipment, increased during the month.
The post Cost of living rises: Gas, Rent, electricity and food get more expensive appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Consumer prices in Belize rose by 4.1 percent in July 2026, with higher costs for transportation, housing, electricity, water and food continuing to put pressure on households, according to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). The national All-Items Consumer Price Index increased to 125.3 in July 2026, up
The post Cost of living rises: Gas, Rent, electricity and food get more expensive appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
