Jamaica consumer prices dip in April as electricity costs fall

Consumer prices in Jamaica edged down 0.3% in April 2026, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) said in its latest consumer price index release. Lower electricity charges were the main driver, pulling the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category down 4.3%. Within that group, electricity, gas and other fuels fell 12.5% for the month.

The overall decline was tempered by rising food and transport costs. The food and non-alcoholic beverages division climbed 0.6%, led by higher prices for agricultural items such as ripe banana, orange and watermelon. The transport division increased 1.1% on higher petrol prices. STATIN put Jamaica’s point-to-point inflation rate at 4.3% as at April 26.

Barita Investments Limited reported operating revenue of $3.7 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, up 72% from the same period a year earlier. The gain reflected a 154% rise in investment gains and stronger net interest income. Group chairman Mark Meyers, who also chairs the KFC franchise in Jamaica, said: "Barita delivered a materially stronger second quarter performance in financial year 2026 with clear improvement across the group's core earnings drivers. With increased platform scale, Barita is better positioned to pursue cross-selling opportunities and realize synergies across investment management, wealth management, and pension services." He added: "We are strengthening profitability through business line optimization, revenue mix refinement, sharper asset management performance, and tighter cost discipline." Meyers said alternative investments remain anchored by the real estate platform, with work continuing at Harbor Street and Eden Gardens in Kingston. The group recently named Bernard Stoker chief executive of its real estate portfolio and holds about 100 acres in St. Ann, where it plans high-end residences.

On the Jamaica Stock Exchange for May 15, 2026, the most active issues were Wigton Energy Limited (540,766 units, 17.67% of sales), Sagicor Select Funds Limited Financial (4,481,115 units, 15.71%) and TransJamaican Highway Limited (270,739 units, 7.26%). Trading stayed concentrated in solar energy, finance and transport names, pointing to sustained interest in dividend-paying and strategic holdings.

Bank of Jamaica data for May 15 showed active foreign-exchange trading across major currencies. The US dollar sold at $157.30 and was bought at $159.30. The Canadian dollar sold for $115.78 and was bought for $115.44. The British pound sold at $213.38 and was bought at $210.69. Firms with import bills, debt service or overseas exposure were reminded that timing and currency moves can affect cash flow costs.