KRALENDIJK – Consumer prices increased on all three BES islands in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).
Sharp increase on St. Eustatius
On St. Eustatius, inflation rose to 4.5 percent compared to a year earlier, up from 2.2 percent in the previous quarter. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, prices increased by 2.1 percent.
The rise was mainly driven by higher costs for housing, water and electricity. Electricity prices increased by 16.1 percent, while water became 12.9 percent more expensive. Fixed and liquid fuels also rose sharply, by 17 percent. Clothing and footwear, however, became 2.2 percent cheaper.
Saba follows similar trend
On Saba, prices were 3.4 percent higher than a year earlier, compared to 2.9 percent in the previous quarter. Quarter-on-quarter, prices rose by 2.6 percent.
As on St. Eustatius, the increase was largely due to higher utility costs. Electricity prices surged by 38.8 percent, alongside increases in water tariffs. Clothing and footwear prices declined by 1.5 percent.
More moderate increase on Bonaire
On Bonaire, inflation was relatively lower at 2.0 percent year-on-year, down from 2.8 percent in the previous quarter. Compared to the last quarter of 2025, prices increased by 3.4 percent.
The main driver was again housing, water and energy, which rose by 10.6 percent on average. Water and electricity became significantly more expensive, increasing by 36.6 percent and 29.3 percent respectively, partly due to reduced subsidies and higher tariffs.
Healthcare costs rose by 13.1 percent, and air transport also became more expensive. In contrast, clothing and footwear prices fell by 1.9 percent, while gasoline prices dropped by 4.6 percent.
Energy costs remain key factor
The figures show that although inflation is lower than the peak seen in 2022, rising energy and utility costs continue to put pressure on household expenses across the islands.
