Inflation on Bonaire was 2.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013, slightly down on the fourth quarter of 2012. On St Eustatius, inflation was 3.9 percent in the first quarter, on Saba it was 1.2 percent. Year-on-year price rises were much smaller on these two islands than in the fourth quarter of 2012. This was mainly the result of a reduction in electricity prices.
Inflation slightly down on Bonaire
Inflation on Bonaire fell to 2.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013. In the fourth quarter of 2012 it was still 2.7 percent. Food prices pushed down inflation: these prices were 0.8 percent lower than in the first quarter of 2012. In the fourth quarter of 2012, food prices were 0.4 percent higher than twelve months previously. Furniture and household appliances also cost slightly less and helped to temper inflation. Prices of recreation and culture had an opposite effect on the other hand. And prices of electricity and water are still higher than last year, following a price increase at the end of 2012.