Inflation in Dutch Caribbean lower again

On all three islands making up the Dutch Caribbean, inflation was lower in the third quarter of 2012 than in the previous quarter. On Bonaire inflation was 2.3 percent, on St Eustatius it was 4.6 percent and on Saba it was 3.0 percent. The main causes of the decreases are lower prices for electricity on St Eustatius and Saba and lower food price increases on Bonaire and Saba.

Inflation on Bonaire down to 2.3 percent

Inflation on Bonaire was 2.3 percent in the third quarter. This is 0.7 of a percent point lower than in het second quarter of 2012. The decrease was mainly caused by the much smaller increase in food prices in the third quarter, 3.0 percent, than in the second quarter, when it was 6.0 percent. Prices of alcoholic drinks and tobacco, and of home furnishings also had a downward effect on inflation.

Inflation Bonaire

Inflation of St Eustatius lower because of cheaper electricity

On St Eustatius inflation was 0.6 of a percent point lower in the third quarter than in the previous quarter. Here inflation was 4.6 percent. The decrease was the result of lower electricity prices: electricity cost much less than in the same period last year after a sharp fall in prices in the third quarter. Food prices had a slightly upward effect on inflation on the other hand.

Inflation St Eustatius

Food and electricity prices temper inflation on Saba

Just as on the other two islands, inflation on Saba was lower in the third quarter than in the second quarter: 3.0 percent compared with 3.9 percent. Prices of food and electricity in particular contributed to the decrease. Food cost 5.6 percent more than twelve months previously, while the increase in the second quarter had been 9.5 percent. And just as on St Eustatius, electricity was  a lot cheaper than in the same period last year. 

Inflation Saba

Source:

Statline, Inflation Dutch Caribbean

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