NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Consumer prices in The Bahamas rose modestly in February, with sharp increases in health and food costs pushing the inflation rate higher, according to the latest data from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute (BNSI).
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the average change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services, increased by 0.4 percent in February 2025 compared to January. This follows a smaller 0.1 percent increase recorded between December 2024 and January 2025.
Health-related expenses saw the most significant month-on-month rise, jumping by 5.6 percent. Food and non-alcoholic beverages also rose by 1.2 percent. These increases were partially offset by declines in other categories, including clothing and footwear and miscellaneous goods and services, both of which fell by 0.3 percent.
On a year-over-year basis, the CPI was 0.8 percent higher than in February 2024. Notable annual increases were recorded in transportation, which rose by 2.3 percent, health services, up 2.1 percent, and miscellaneous goods and services, which increased by 1.9 percent. Meanwhile, prices for recreation and culture dropped by 2.1 percent, and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels decreased by 1.3 percent.
Fuel prices showed mixed movements. Gasoline prices increased by 1.5 percent compared to January and were 3.4 percent higher than the same month last year. Diesel prices remained unchanged from the previous month but were down 13.0 percent year-over-year.
The BNSI releases its Consumer Price Index monthly, tracking the cost of a standard basket of goods and services to monitor inflation trends across the country.
