Stats in 2008 show major increases in cost of living

It comes as no surprise, but recently released figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize reveals that in 2008 prices shot up where it hurts the most: food and medical care. According to S.I.B., last year consumers paid fifty percent more for flour, thirty-five percent more for rice, and about sixteen percent more for chicken. The increases represent a whopping average of six point four percent, the highest rate of inflation in the last twelve years. In other sectors, beverages and tobacco prices shot up by thirteen point three percent, the highest increase in these items in the past twenty-five years. Consumers also experienced a three percent increase in medical care and an increase of three point six in rent, water, fuel, and power. Clothing, footwear, recreation, education and culture did not show much movement. And while the fall in crude oil prices internationally resulted in lower prices at the pump in the last quarter, there was still a resulting overall increase of three point six percent in the transport and communications category.