KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica experienced a 0.7% rise in consumer prices in October 2025, primarily driven by increased costs in food and electricity, according to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). This uptick pushed the annual inflation rate to 2.9% for the 12 months ending in October. The ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ category saw the most significant surge, climbing 1.5% month-on-month, with vegetables, tubers, and pulses recording a sharp 5.5% increase. Staples like carrots, cabbage, and sweet potatoes became notably more expensive. Additionally, the ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels’ category rose by 0.8%, largely due to higher electricity rates. However, some relief came from the ‘Transport’ division, which saw a 0.3% decline due to lower petrol prices. Over the past year, inflation was primarily fueled by three sectors: ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ (3.0%), ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels’ (4.0%), and ‘Restaurant and Accommodation Services’ (4.0%). STATIN clarified that the data was collected before Hurricane Melissa, meaning the figures do not account for any potential price impacts from the storm. As Jamaica’s national statistics office, STATIN remains the authoritative source for the country’s economic data.