KRALENDIJK – According to figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics, during the second quarter of 2023 the rate of inflation in St. Eustatius and Saba has slowed down a bit. 

On St Eustatius, prices rose by 3.3 percent year-on-year in Q2; the price rise was 8.0 percent in Q1. On Saba, inflation stood at 5.2 percent in Q2, down from 7.0 percent in the previous quarter. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports this on the basis of the Caribbean Netherlands’ consumer price index.

0.8 percent price decline on St Eustatius relative to Q1

In Q2 2023, consumer prices on St Eustatius fell by 0.8 percent relative to the previous quarter. Prices of clothing and footwear increased by 4.2 percent. Furniture prices declined by 7.4 percent. Petrol prices were down by 3.7 percent. Passenger transport by air declined by 8.2 percent in price.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages were 0.8 percent more expensive than in the first quarter. Bread was 5.0 percent more expensive. The egg price drop was significant at 37.9 percent.

Prices on Saba 1.1 percent up

In Q2 2023, consumers on Saba paid on average 1.1 percent more for goods and services than in the previous quarter. Prices of clothing and footwear increased by 4.2 percent, while airline ticket prices went up by 17.0 percent. Home maintenance products fell in price by 9.2 percent on the previous quarter. 

Prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 1.2 percent in Q2. Chicken meat was 9.4 percent and beef 6.3 percent cheaper in the previous quarter. Chocolate was 9.8 percent more expensive.