PHILIPSBURG — Consumer prices in Sint Maarten remained largely stable during the first quarter of 2026, despite increases in fuel prices and transportation costs, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the Department of Statistics (STAT).
The CPI rose modestly by 0.43 percent between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, moving from 115.28 to 115.78. Compared to the same period last year, inflation increased by just 0.66 percent, signaling what officials described as “balanced pressures across essentials.”
The report comes at a time when residents have voiced growing concerns about the cost of living, particularly fuel prices, which climbed sharply during the quarter. Gasoline prices rose 6.8 percent compared to the previous quarter, while diesel prices jumped 9.8 percent. Year-over-year increases were also significant, with gasoline up 5 percent and diesel up 10.8 percent.
STAT noted, however, that the full impact of global fuel volatility was not yet reflected in the first-quarter data. Price collection for the CPI occurs during the first two weeks of each month, before the escalation of fuel costs tied to the conflict involving Iran later in March.
Housing costs helped soften inflationary pressure. The heavily weighted Housing, Water, and Energy category — which accounts for 36.1 percent of the CPI basket — declined 1.57 percent year-over-year, largely due to lower electricity costs and more affordable apartments on the market. Electricity prices alone fell by nearly 10 percent compared to the same quarter last year.
Transportation costs, meanwhile, increased by 2.45 percent annually, driven in part by a surge in airfare. Transport by air rose 13.88 percent year-over-year, according to the report.
Food prices also continued to edge upward, with Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages rising 1.29 percent compared to Q1 2025. STAT attributed the increase mainly to higher prices for general food products, coffee, tea, and cocoa. Some relief was seen in dairy products; however, prices of milk, cheese, and eggs declined during the quarter.
Despite concerns over inflation, STAT emphasized that overall consumer prices remain relatively stable.
“The offset movements in other sub-categories contributed to keeping overall CPI growth modest at only 0.66 percent in Q1 2026,” the report stated.
The Fuel Clause — another closely watched indicator tied to electricity costs — rose just 0.53 percent quarter-over-quarter and was down 16 percent compared to the same period last year, further easing pressure on household expenses.
STAT said the full report and supporting tables will be available on its website and encouraged residents with questions to contact the department directly.
