You Are Paying More for Gas, Food and Electricity

Belizeans continued feeling the pressure of rising living costs in April, as higher fuel prices, more expensive groceries, and increased electricity rates pushed inflation up by 2.9 percent.

The latest Consumer Price Index report released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) showed that the overall inflation rate rose from 119.6 in April 2025 to 123.2 in April 2026.

According to SIB, transportation costs recorded the sharpest increase, driven largely by higher fuel prices across the country. Diesel saw the biggest jump, climbing from $11.66 per gallon in April last year to $14.68 this April…an increase of 26 percent. Regular gasoline rose by 15.7 percent, while premium gasoline increased by 11 percent.

For many Belizean families already struggling with daily expenses, grocery prices also continued trending upward. Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices increased by 2.6 percent, with notable increases in meats, sugar, fruits, and beverages.

Stew pork rose by nearly 14 percent, beef steak by 9.3 percent, and whole fish by 9.4 percent. Sugar recorded one of the biggest increases, jumping by 19.3 percent compared to April 2025. Consumers also paid significantly more for fruits such as limes, which increased by 29.2 percent.

Electricity and cooking gas costs also contributed to the rise in inflation.According to SIB, prices in the “Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels” category increased by 2 percent, largely due to higher electricity tariffs introduced earlier this year and rising LPG prices.

The average price of a 100-pound cylinder of cooking gas increased from $127.63 last year to $136.47 this April.

Restaurant and café prices also increased during the month, while healthcare costs rose by 3.3 percent because of higher doctor visit fees, medication prices, and medical procedures.

Among municipalities, Orange Walk Town recorded the highest inflation rate at 4.2 percent. Belize City recorded the lowest increase at 2.4 percent.