WILLEMSTAD - The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) has published the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for September 2025, showing a 0.4% decrease in the overall price level compared to August 2025. Despite this monthly decline, the annual inflation rate rose to 1.7%, indicating a gradual increase in the cost of living over the past year.

According to the CBS report, the CPI fell from 105.5 in August to 105.1 in September 2025, meaning that prices were slightly lower on average compared to the previous month. However, when compared to September 2024, consumer prices have increased by 1.7%, with the 12-month average CPI moving from 102.5 to 104.2.

Prices rose in five major spending categories

In September, the prices of goods and services increased in five of the main expenditure categories, including:

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco (+0.5%)

Food (+0.4%)

Housing (+0.3%)

Furnishings and household goods (+0.1%)

Recreation and education (+0.1%)

Declines in transport and clothing

The largest price decline was recorded in the transport and communication sector, which dropped by 2.8%, followed by a slight decrease in clothing and footwear (-0.1%). Prices in the “other” category remained largely unchanged.

Inflation and purchasing power

The CBS explained that inflation reflects the loss of purchasing power as the general price level for goods and services increases over a longer period — typically twelve months. The inflation rate is therefore considered an important indexation tool for adjusting salaries, pensions, social benefits, and the minimum wage.

In summary, while Curaçao experienced a short-term dip in prices in September, the annual trend continues upward, signaling ongoing inflationary pressure in key areas such as food, housing, and utilities.