# Jamaica Inflation Hits 8.6% in September

> Jamaica's inflation soars to 8.6% in September, exceeding central bank targets after Hurricane Melissa.
- Title: Jamaica Inflation Hits 8.6% in September · The Rio Times
- Summary: Jamaica's inflation soars to 8.6% in September, exceeding central bank targets after Hurricane Melissa. Jamaica's annual inflation rose to 8.6% in September…
- Keywords: jamaica, inflation, bank of jamaica, statistical institute of jamaica, hurricane melissa, food prices, fuel prices, central bank target, policy rate, jmd, news, world
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/jamaica-inflation-hits-8-6-percent-september-2026
- Author: Lachlan Williams
- Published: 2026-10-16T17:12:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jamaica, inflation, bank of jamaica, statistical institute of jamaica, hurricane melissa, food prices, fuel prices, central bank target, policy rate, jmd, news, world
## Jamaica Inflation Rises
Jamaica's annual inflation rose to 8.6% in September, the highest since December 2022.
## Inflation Exceeds Target
The rate is well above the Bank of Jamaica's 4% to 6% target range.
## Food and Fuel Prices Surge
Food prices rose 12.4% over the year, and fuel for personal transport increased 24.8%.
## Hurricane Melissa Impact
Analyst Damien King linked food price rises to farm shortfalls after Hurricane Melissa.
## Central Bank Policy Rate
The Bank of Jamaica holds its policy rate at 6.00% with the next decision on Wednesday, 18 November.
## US Visitors Affected
US visitors face higher food and transport costs as Jamaican fuel prices follow US Gulf Coast benchmarks.
## Price Impact on Families
A food bill of JMD 10,000 (US$63) a year ago now costs JMD 11,240 (US$71).
## What Comes Next
The Bank of Jamaica will decide on rates on Wednesday, 18 November, following the October inflation figure.
## Key takeaway

Jamaica's annual inflation rose to 8.6% in September, the highest since December 2022, as food and fuel prices surge.