Inflation Up in February 2026…Ironically, Gas Had Offered Some Relief

Belizeans paid slightly more for goods and services in February 2026, as the Statistical Institute of Belize reported a 0.7% inflation rate.

The increase was driven mainly by higher costs for food, electricity, and restaurant services. Meat prices went up, with pork rising by more than 15% and beef steak by nearly 9%. Sugar climbed 16%, while vegetables such as tomatoes and carrots also saw double‑digit increases.

On the other hand, fresh fruits like watermelon and plantain were cheaper, helping to offset some of the rise in food costs.

Electricity bills added extra pressure after a higher per kilowatt-hour rate was introduced at the start of the year. Dining out and health services also cost a bit more, while clothing and footwear, especially men’s items, saw modest increases.

Fuel prices, on the other hand, gave consumers some relief in February. Regular gasoline dropped by 7.5%, premium by 6.1%, and diesel by 1.5% compared to a year earlier. That decline helped lower transport costs and offset some of the rise in food and electricity.

But the relief was short‑lived. By March, global oil markets were shaken by the war in Iran, sending pump prices back up.

Across municipalities, Punta Gorda recorded the highest inflation at 2.2%, while Orange Walk saw the lowest at just 0.2%.

Looking at the first two months of 2026, the year‑to‑date inflation rate stood at 0.4%.