Antigua and Barbuda’s annual inflation rate eased to 3.7% in June, down from 4.1% in May, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report.

Despite the slowdown in year-over-year inflation, consumer prices increased 0.6% between May and June.

Energy costs remained a major driver of inflation, rising 20.6% over the 12 months ending in June. Electricity prices surged 42.9% as the fuel variation rate increased from 56 cents to 80 cents.

The broader housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category increased 8.5% over the year.

Food and nonalcoholic beverage prices rose 1.7%. Fish and seafood prices increased 8.5%, vegetables climbed 4.4%, and oils and fats rose 3.2%. However, fruit prices declined 9.2%, while meat prices fell 4.8%.

Other notable annual increases included recreation and culture at 30.2%, education at 13.3%, transport services at 10.3%, and restaurants and hotels at 4.5%.

The index measuring all items except food and energy rose 2.5%, compared with a 3.7% increase recorded in May.

Four of the 12 main spending categories registered annual price declines, while eight recorded increases.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda’s Inflation Rate Eases Slightly to 3.7%.