SABA/ST. EUSTATIUS–In the third quarter of 2019, consumer prices in St. Eustatius and Saba increased by 0.7 per cent and 0.3 per cent year-on-year, respectively. In Bonaire prices were 1.2 per cent higher than one year previously, the Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS) Netherlands reported on the basis of the consumer price index.

Between July and September 2019, consumer prices in Statia were 0.7 per cent higher compared to the same period last year. The highest year-on-year increases were on account of clothing (+11.1 per cent) and footwear (+22.5 per cent).

Electricity prices rose by 2.5 per cent in the third quarter of this year due to an increase in the variable rate. However, electricity prices were down by 1.7 per cent year-on-year, which had a downward effect on consumer prices, the CBS said.

In the third quarter of 2019, prices of goods and services in Saba were on average 0.3 per cent up year-on-year. Clothing, fresh fruit and vegetables went up in price. Fresh fruit and vegetables were 28.5 and 9.4 per cent more expensive, respectively. Gasoline was six per cent more expensive, while electricity was 13.7 per cent cheaper compared with the same period in 2018, according to the CBS.

In Bonaire, the year-on-year price increase was caused by price developments for clothing and footwear, food and transport. Clothing and footwear were 6.6 per cent and food 4.2 per cent more expensive.

Prices of fresh fruit and vegetables hardly changed in the past quarter but were still higher than one year previously, by 33.4 per cent and 15.6 per cent, respectively. Gasoline was 4.1 per cent and diesel fuel five per cent more expensive than in the third quarter of 2018, the CBS stated.

Bron: Daily Herald