SINT MAARTEN – The Consumer Price Index for Sint Maarten in the first quarter of 2019 is 100.3, up from 99.63 in the first quarter of 2018, which is a 0.67 percent increase.
The Department of Statistics (STAT) has implemented a new data collection and Consumer Price Index calculation system that allows for the publication of more detailed results. The previous system had become obsolete and as such was discontinued at the end of 2017.
STAT has established 2018 as the new base year and starting point for the measuring of price developments within the now updated basket of consumer goods and services.
For the 1st Quarter 2019, seven of the twelve expenditure categories recorded increases, three decreased in price and two remained stable.
The largest four increases were in the categories: 1. Health (+2.66%) – driven by an increase in the prices of therapeutic equipment, 2. Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (+2.55%) – driven by an increase in the prices of small electrical appliances, furniture, and major household appliances 3. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (+1.25%) – driven by an increase in the price of solid fuels 4. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics (1.15%) – driven by an increase in the price of wine
Decreases were recorded in the categories: ‘Clothing and footwear’ (-0.68%), ‘Food and nonalcoholic beverages’ (-0.52%), and ‘Communication’ (-0.41%). The categories: ‘Education’ and ‘Restaurants and hotels’ remained constant. A detailed report with the price indices and inflation rates within the 12 expenditure categories as well as a number of sub-categories will be published with the 2nd Quarter results. Until then, for more information visit the STAT website, www.stat.gov.sx, or email questions to statinfo@sintmaartengov.org.
Expenditure Category WEIGHT
INDEX Quarter 1 2018*
INDEX Quarter 1 2019
% CHANGE
Food and non-alcoholic beverages 7.4% 100.56 100.03 -0.52% Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics 0.4% 99.77 100.92 1.15% Clothing and footwear 4.8% 103.60 102.90 -0.68% Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels 37.4% 98.80 100.03 1.25% Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance 6.4% 98.51 101.02 2.55% Health 1.9% 98.42 101.04 2.66% Transport 16.0% 99.62 99.88 0.26% Communication 6.0% 99.94 99.53 -0.41% Recreation and culture 4.7% 100.49 100.51 0.02% Education 2.1% 100.00 100.00 0.00% Restaurants and hotels 2.0% 100.00 100.00 0.00% Miscellaneous goods and services 10.9% 99.87 100.56 0.69%
TOTAL 100% 99.63 100.30 0.67%
*2018 is the new base year, therefore, the average index for the year is rescaled to 100
