WILLEMSTAD – The latest figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) show that consumer prices in Curaçao fell slightly by 0.1% in April 2025 compared to March 2025. However, the annual inflation rate rose to 2.4%, reflecting an overall increase in the cost of living over the past year. 

According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the April 2025 index dropped marginally from 104.5 to 104.4. While overall prices remained relatively stable, some categories experienced notable changes. 

Price Movements in April 2025 

Four major spending categories saw price increases in April: 

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco rose by 0.8% 

Food products increased by 0.6% 

Housing costs rose by 0.2% 

Healthcare services went up by 0.1% 

Conversely, prices fell in two categories: 

Recreation and leisure dropped by 1.2% 

Home furnishings and household goods decreased by 0.3% 

Prices in categories such as clothing and footwear, transport and communication, and miscellaneous goods and services remained unchanged during the month. 

Long-Term Price Development and Inflation 

Inflation reflects the decline in purchasing power as consumer prices rise over time—typically measured over a 12-month period. It serves as a key indicator for adjusting wages, pensions, social benefits, and minimum wage levels. 

For April 2025, the inflation rate of 2.4% was calculated by comparing the 12-month average CPI of 103.4 with the 101.0 recorded in April 2024. This indicates a moderate rise in the overall cost of living in Curaçao. 

CBS recommends using this inflation figure as a benchmark for indexing various income categories to help preserve citizens' purchasing power.