The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from Antigua and Barbuda’s Statistics Division reveals a severe escalation in the cost of living, driven predominantly by a dramatic surge in meat prices over the past year. Published on February 6, the report highlights an 11.9% annual increase in meat costs, placing significant strain on household budgets across the nation.
A detailed breakdown of the data pinpoints poultry and beef as the primary drivers of this inflationary pressure. Poultry prices have escalated by 14.7% year-on-year, while beef and veal costs have experienced an even steeper climb of 17.6%. Concurrently, fish and seafood prices rose by 8.0%, compounding the financial burden on consumers. This trend culminated in a striking 9.8% month-over-month jump in the meat and meat products category for December alone, with poultry up 12.5% and beef rising 8.1% in that single month.
The broader food index registered a 3.2% increase over the twelve months ending December 2025. When including non-alcoholic beverages, the index rose by 2.9%. The Statistics Division noted that these increases were partially mitigated by price declines in other grocery categories, including fruits, vegetables, and oils. The end of the year saw accelerated inflation, with the food index rising 3.5% from November to December, a trend that affected eight of the nine major supermarket food groups.
Despite the intense focus on food costs, the nation’s overall annual inflation rate was measured at 3.1%. A significant monthly consumer price increase of 1.9% was recorded for December, attributed not only to food but also to rising airline fares and rental costs. This data, released by the division within the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance, paints a clear picture of the mounting economic challenges facing citizens.