Inflation Eases, But Food Costs Climb

We’re keeping a close eye on your wallet tonight. New data from the Statistical Institute of Belize shows that while prices are still on the rise, the pace is finally slowing. The national inflation rate for April stands at one-point-three percent—modest, but still noticeable. Food prices continue to climb, with everyday staples like bread, watermelon, and even fruit juice seeing double-digit spikes. Renters are also feeling the squeeze, and butane gas just got pricier. But there’s a silver lining, fuel prices are down, offering some relief at the pump. We’ll break down what’s getting more expensive, what’s easing up, and what it all means for your bottom line. Here’s Isani Cayetano with an economic snapshot.

 

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

New numbers are in from the Statistical Institute of Belize, and they show that while prices are still rising, the pace is slowing. The national inflation rate for April 2025 stands at 1.3 percent, a modest increase from the same time last year. The Consumer Price Index—or CPI—now sits at 119.6, up from 118.1 in April 2024. Once again, food prices are leading the charge. The cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 2.7 percent, with notable spikes in everyday staples. Bread and bakery products jumped by 3.5 percent, while fruits like watermelon and lettuce soared by over 20 percent. And if you’re reaching for a refreshing drink, be prepared to pay more—fruit and vegetable juices surged by a whopping 15.4 percent.

 

Renters are also feeling the pinch. Housing-related costs rose by 2 percent, driven by a 2.3 percent increase in home rental prices. The price of a 100-pound cylinder of LPG climbed by nearly $7, now averaging $127.63. But there’s some relief at the pump. Fuel prices dropped across the board—diesel is down 7.2 percent, regular gasoline fell 6.6 percent, and premium is down 4.1 percent. This helped pull the overall transportation category down by 1.7 percent. Looking at short-term trends, the month-over-month inflation rate was nearly flat at -0.03 percent, suggesting price stability between March and April. Regionally, Belmopan and San Pedro saw the highest inflation at 3.5 percent, driven by rising costs in food, rent, and personal care. Meanwhile, Independence Village bucked the trend, with prices actually falling by 2 percent, thanks to lower costs in food, fuel, and even mobile phones. And finally, the year-to-date inflation rate, which looks at the first four months of 2025, sits at 1.6 percent, with food, housing, and personal care again being the main contributors. So, while prices are still climbing, the pace is easing—and that’s a trend worth watching. That’s your economic snapshot. Isani Cayetano for News Five.