Inflation Increased Sharply in Q2 2026
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SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Department of Statistics (STAT) reports that the cost of everyday goods and services in Sint Maarten increased significantly during the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.
Inflation stood at 5.45% compared with Q2 2025 and by 4.03% compared with the first quarter (Q1) of 2026. In practical terms, a household that spent 1,000 XCG on the same goods and services a year ago would now spend approximately XCG 1,054.
The increase is particularly notable when compared with recent years. Prices increased only about 2.2% between Q1 2024 and Q1 2026. In contrast, prices increased by 4.03% in just three months between Q1 and Q2 2026.
|
↑ 5.4% |
↑ 4.0% |
120.45 |
|
2026 Q2 versus 2025 Q2 |
Q2 over Q1 |
Price index (CPI) |
|
This is inflation |
The last three months |
2026 Q2 · 2018 = 100 |
What pushed prices up
|
Q2 over Q1 |
2026 Q2 versus 2025 Q2 |
|
|
GEBE fuel clause |
↑ 40.4% |
↑ 34.6% |
|
Gas for the car |
↑ 38.37% |
↑ 42.79% |
Two of the largest increases were related to energy and transportation. The GEBE fuel clause increased by 40.4% compared with Q1 and 34.6% compared with Q2 2025, while gasoline prices increased by 38.37% compared with Q1 and 42.79% year-on-year.
"Q2 over Q1" compares the last three months (April, May, June) with the three months before (January, February, March). "2026 Q2 versus 2025 Q2" compares the last three months with the same three months one year ago.
The four biggest Expenditures Categories
These four categories carry the largest weight (influence) in the total CPI, so they move the overall number the most. Weight is how much of a typical household’s spending goes to that category.
|
Category |
Weight |
Q2 over Q1 |
2026 Q2 versus 2025 |
What drove it Q2 |
|
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels |
36.1% |
↑ 3.59% |
↑ 3.17% |
Electricity (+15.58%) |
|
Transport |
14.6% |
↑ 16.32% |
↑ 21.50% |
Gas for the car (+38.37%) |
|
Miscellaneous goods and services |
13.4% |
↓ 0.04% |
↓ 0.51% |
Life insurance (-10.37%) |
|
Food and non-alcoholic beverages |
7.2% |
↑ 1.94% |
↑ 3.73% |
Vegetables (+5.81%) |
WHY IT MATTERS
When prices rise faster than income, the same salary buys less. Because electricity, gas and food touch almost everything, a change here is felt right across the island. Tracking the CPI helps families, businesses and government understand and make adjustments (if and when possible) for the cost of living.
To see the full report, including how the GEBE fuel clause and gasoline prices have changed over time, please visit our website at stats.sintmaartengov.org or contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Source: Department of Statistics (STAT), Sint Maarten. Q1 covers January to March, and Q2 covers April to June.
