Jamaicans Urged to Brace for Steep Cost-of-Living Spike in 2026 — Food, Utilities, and Everyday Services Set to Climb

Jamaican households are being told to prepare for a tougher year ahead as the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) warns that food, electricity, and everyday services are set to rise sharply in 2026. The central bank says inflation—currently sitting at 2.9 per cent—will surge past its four to six per cent target next year, driven mainly by the economic fallout from Hurricane Melissa. After two years of unusually low and stable inflation, the era of calm is officially coming to an end.

The warning lands as the country continues to absorb the widespread damage left behind by the Category 5 storm, which struck Jamaica’s south-western coast on 28 October before cutting through the island. Although Statin’s October numbers showed only modest price increases, the BOJ says these early signs are the beginning of a longer, more painful climb that will stretch across food markets, utility services, and a wide range of household essentials. Core inflation—typically more stable—will also breach the bank’s target by mid-2026, signalling that the price of everything from a haircut to a restaurant meal is likely to inch upward throughout the year.

Underlying the warning is a broader economic challenge. The hurricane caused severe disruption to infrastructure, businesses, and livelihoods, with the BOJ forecasting a significant contraction in the short term. October’s CPI already reflects early pressure: vegetables, tubers, plantains, and pulses jumped 5.5 per cent, while electricity costs pushed the Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels division up by 0.8 per cent. These are exactly the categories the BOJ says will face sustained strain as recovery efforts accelerate.

Complicating matters further, the Government has temporarily suspended its fiscal rules to ramp up reconstruction spending. While deemed necessary, the added expenditure will inject more money into the economy, raising the risk of even higher prices. In response, the BOJ has held its key interest rate at 5.75 per cent—arguing that higher rates cannot repair supply chains—and instead moved to stabilise the foreign exchange market. More than US$210 million has already been supplied since the hurricane, and new measures will ensure foreign currency is available for essential imports like fuel and construction materials.

With its next policy decision due on 18 December, the BOJ says it remains committed to controlling inflation and stands ready to tighten its stance if risks escalate—meaning Jamaican consumers should expect continued scrutiny of prices heading into the new year.