Cheaper Fuel Brings Relief as Other Costs Climb

Belizeans started 2026 with almost no change in the overall cost of living. The national inflation rate was 0.04% in January compared to last year, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize. In simple terms, prices stayed about the same.

Groceries got a little more expensive. Fresh meats, bread, and drinks like coffee and juices all went up. Stewed pork rose the most, jumping nearly 18%.

Rent went up, and so did the price of cooking gas. A 100-pound cylinder of LPG now costs $130.63, about five dollars more than last January. Going to the doctor or buying medicine costs more, with surgery fees increasing almost 6%.

The good news came at the gas pump. Premium gasoline dropped by $1.12 per gallon, regular fell by $1.03, and diesel went down by $0.52.

Punta Gorda saw the biggest increase at 2.6%, with higher costs for food, LPG, and personal items. Orange Walk had the lowest rate at -1.9%, thanks to cheaper fuel and local produce like tomatoes, carrots, and beans.

Between December and January, prices overall fell by 0.5%, mostly because fuel got cheaper.