Inflation Up Point Nine Percent on Butane and Food Prices

In related news, the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) has recorded an inflation of point nine percent, particularly, in the areas of housing, butane and food.  Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index rose from 119.7 to 120.7.  The increase is attributed to an overall eleven percent increase in LPG (butane) that saw the cost of a 100-pound cylinder rising by $12.80.  In the area of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages, there was a one percent increase, particularly meats, juices, and soft drinks.  Meanwhile, the price index for Restaurants & Accommodation Services went up 2.8%; Health – 3.8%, driven by doctor visits and medicinal products; Alcohol & Tobacco – 2.6% and Personal Care items – up by 1.7%.  It is interesting to note that in the area of Transport, there was a decline in costs due to lower fuel prices.  According to the SIB, Premium gasoline fell by $0.56; Regular gasoline dropped by $0.31 and Diesel fell by $0.16.  As it relates to inflation by municipality, Benque Viejo del Carmen saw the highest inflation at 2.2%, while Dangriga recorded virtually no change at 0.01%.