NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Inflation in The Bahamas continued its upward trend in March 2026, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing by 0.35 percent compared to February, according to the latest report from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute (BNSI).
The latest figure follows a sharper 0.95 percent increase recorded between January and February, reflecting ongoing fluctuations in the cost of goods and services across the country.
On a monthly basis, price increases were led by Clothing and Footwear (2.7%), Transport (1.8%), and Health (0.5%), while Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance fell by 2.1 percent, providing some offset.
Year-over-year, inflation stood at 3.1 percent in March 2026 compared to March 2025, driven largely by higher prices in several key categories. The most significant increases were recorded in Restaurant and Hotels (17.6%), Furnishings and Household Equipment (8.5%), and Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (4.4%).
By contrast, Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics declined by 6.7 percent over the same period.
Fuel prices also contributed to monthly inflation movements. The petroleum index rose by 5.4 percent, while diesel increased by 6.4 percent from February to March. On a yearly basis, petroleum prices were up 0.8 percent, and diesel rose 2.8 percent.
BNSI said the CPI tracks the average change in prices of goods and services purchased by households and remains the primary measure of inflation in The Bahamas.
