T&T’s Inflation Rate Still Below 1%

• In January 2026, Trinidad and Tobago’s headline inflation rate, as measured by the year-on-year change in the All-Items Index, was 0.7%. This outturn reflects a slight uptick in price momentum compared to the 0.4% recorded in December 2025. Notably, the current rate has returned to the same level observed in January 2025 (7%), suggesting a stabilisation of annual price growth after a year-end dip.
• The All-Items Index calculated from the prices collected for January 2026 was 125.8, representing an increase of 0.6 points or 0.5% above December 2025.
• The Index for Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased from 152.9 in December 2025 to 153.4 in January 2026, reflecting an increase of 0.3%.
• Contributing significantly to this increase was the general upward movement in the prices of fresh whole chicken, fresh carite, ochras, tomatoes, plantains, chilled or frozen turkey parts, eddoes, parboiled rice, fresh king fish and melongene. However, the full impact of these price increases was offset by the general decrease in the prices of cucumber, irish potatoes, tea in bags, chocolate malt beverages, hot peppers, chive, soya bean oil, grapes, cabbage and celery.
• Outside of food, several other categories saw price changes between December 2025 and January 2026. The sub-index for Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco of 1.0%, Health of 0.3%, Recreation and Culture of 5.3%, Hotels, Cafes and Restaurants of 0.1% and Miscellaneous Goods and Services of 0.5%.
• At the same time, some sectors experienced price declines. Furnishing, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House of 0.8%, Transport of 0.2% and Communication of 0.1%. All other sections remained unchanged.

(Sources: Trinidad Express Newspaper & NCBCM Research)