STATIN says there were sharp increases in the cost of vegetables, tubers, plantains and cooking bananas, as well as fruits and nuts. (File photo)
The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) says consumer prices rose by 1.3 per cent in December, driven mainly by higher food and housing costs.
According to STATIN, the All-Jamaica Consumer Price Index increased as prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages climbed by 2 per cent. This was largely due to sharp increases in the cost of vegetables, tubers, plantains and cooking bananas, which rose by 4.5 per cent, along with fruits and nuts, which increased by 5.6 per cent.
STATIN says the rise in food prices continues to reflect the impact of Hurricane Melissa on agricultural production.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels also recorded a 2.6 per cent increase, influenced mainly by higher electricity rates and increased rental costs.
Meanwhile, point-to-point inflation for December stood at 4.5 per cent. This was driven by price increases in food, housing, and restaurant and accommodation services.
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