In the first quarter of 2025, consumer goods and services in Bonaire were 5.5 percent more expensive than a year earlier. In the fourth quarter of 2024, inflation was still 1.8 percent. This is reported by the CBS based on the consumer price index Caribbean Netherlands.
In Sint Eustatius, prices were 2.2 percent higher year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, while in the fourth quarter of 2024, inflation was 3.4 percent. In Saba, inflation was 4.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025. A quarter earlier, this was still 3.3 percent.
Prices in Bonaire 3.8 percent higher compared to the previous quarter
Prices in Bonaire rose by 3.8 percent in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. This increase is partly due to the costs of housing, water, and energy. The water supply became 47.4 percent more expensive compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 due to a price increase in the fixed fee. Electricity prices also rose by 22.0 percent, and from January 2025, no more subsidies will be given on the fixed fee. Finally, prices for clothing and footwear increased by 3.9 percent, mainly due to a price increase in womens clothing and shoes.
On the other hand, transportation became cheaper in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter. The price of gasoline fell by 6.7 percent compared to the previous quarter, and the price of diesel fell by 7.0 percent.
Prices in Sint Eustatius 0.1 percent lower than the previous quarter
In Sint Eustatius, consumer prices fell by 0.1 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. Electricity became 3.8 percent cheaper despite the termination of part of the subsidy on the fixed fee since January 1, 2025. The price drop in electricity is also caused by a reduction in the variable rate. Transportation also became 4.7 percent cheaper. This is largely due to cheaper flights.
Water was 34.8 percent more expensive than a quarter earlier. This is due to a price increase in the variable rate for tap water, and the water tanks also became more expensive. Prices for recreation and culture rose by 5.4 percent this quarter, mainly due to price increases in streaming services. Clothing and footwear increased by 2.1 percent in price, mainly due to price increases in womens clothing.
Prices in Saba rose by 2.1 percent compared to the previous quarter
In Saba, prices rose by 2.1 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. Electricity was 36.0 percent more expensive than the previous quarter due to the termination of part of the subsidy on the fixed fee as of January 1, 2025. Also, clothing prices rose by 3.8 percent this quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. Finally, healthcare costs also showed a price increase of 4.4 percent, mainly due to higher rates at the dentist.
On the other hand, prices for education and transportation fell in the first quarter of 2025. The prices of gasoline and diesel oil both decreased by 4.7 percent compared to the previous quarter.
Preliminary figures
The figures for the first quarter of 2025 are preliminary and will be finalized with the publication of the second quarter of 2025. The preliminary figures for the fourth quarter of 2024 have been adjusted. For Sint Eustatius, this concerns the product groups recreation and culture and various goods and services. For Saba, this concerns product groups housing, water, and energy and various goods and services. These adjustments have been made based on subsequent information. Additionally, there are changes for Saba in the index for hospitality due to changes resulting from the final analysis and processing of data.
Papiamentu
A translation of this message in Papiamentu can be requested at the CBS office in Bonaire via the email address: caribischnederland@cbs.nl
Sources:
StatLine - Caribbean Netherlands https://opendata.cbs.nl/CBS/nl/dataset/84046NED/table?dl=BFA9