Inflation/Prices

The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) Curaçao publishes official statistics on inflation and consumer prices to monitor changes in the cost of living and provide reliable information on price developments in Curaçao. These statistics are essential for government institutions, businesses, researchers, policymakers, and the general public, supporting economic analysis, policy development, wage negotiations, and informed decision-making.

Inflation is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the average change over time in the prices paid by households for a fixed basket of goods and services. The CPI reflects household consumption patterns and serves as one of the country's most important economic indicators, providing insight into changes in the purchasing power of consumers and the overall cost of living.

Since 1974, the Consumer Price Index has been based on the results of Household Budget Surveys, which determine the spending patterns and relative importance (weights) of goods and services purchased by households. Currently, CBS Curaçao calculates the CPI using expenditure weights derived from the most recent Household Expenditure Survey (HES) conducted in 2015/2016. These weights ensure that the CPI accurately reflects the consumption patterns of households in Curaçao.

Each month, CBS collects hundreds of price observations from a representative sample of retail outlets and service providers across Curaçao. Prices are collected for a wide range of products and services, including food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, education, recreation, communication, clothing, restaurants, and other household expenditures.

Before publication, all price data undergo a comprehensive quality assurance process. This includes validating price observations, identifying and correcting inconsistencies, verifying unusual price movements, and ensuring that the calculations comply with internationally recognized statistical standards and methodologies. Once the data have been validated, they are used to calculate the monthly Consumer Price Index and the corresponding inflation rates.

The Inflation and Prices section provides comprehensive information on:

• Consumer Price Index (CPI);
• Monthly and annual inflation rates;
• Price developments by expenditure category;
• Historical CPI and inflation trends;
• CPI methodology and classifications;
• Statistical publications and press releases.

Historical Data

For historical data and earlier publications on Inflation and Prices, please visit our online Digital Library: CBS Home – Consumer Price Index
 

CPI Dasboard

Explore our Consumer Price Index (CPI) Dashboard for easy access to all CPI data in one place. The interactive dashboard allows you to view detailed statistics by category, analyze trends over time, and download datasets for your own research and analysis.