Inflation Up by 1.6% in February 2025

Belizeans saw a slight increase in inflation in February 2025. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) reports that the inflation rate for February 2025 stood at 1.6%, with an increase from 118.0 in February 2024 to 119.8. This rise was mainly driven by higher costs in the ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ and ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’ categories, which together accounted for two-thirds of the overall inflation.

Food prices increased by 2.5%, affecting cereal products, fruits like limes and watermelons, and meats. However, fresh vegetables saw a decrease of 2.4%. Non-alcoholic beverages, including fruit juices and soft drinks, also rose by 8%.

Housing costs grew by 2%, primarily due to rising home rental prices and an increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which saw a price rise of $7.19 for a 100-pound cylinder. Personal care products, including toiletries and hygiene items, experienced a 3.3% rise.

The ‘Information and Communication’ sector saw a 1.7% decrease, attributed to lower mobile phone prices.

Belmopan recorded the highest inflation at 4.1%, while Independence Village saw a rare deflation of 1.2%.

The year-to-date inflation rate for January and February 2025 compared to 2024 is 1.9%, largely driven by increases in food, housing, and transport expenses. Meanwhile, February’s inflation rate compared to January 2025 was nearly flat at 0.01%.