A marked increase in the food sector
As the year-end holidays approach, the budgets of Martinican households are becoming increasingly depleted. With a 1.5% increase in August, followed by a 0.2% increase in the food sector, it is primarily fresh products that have seen a rise, even though it is lower than the national average, according to INSEE. The products that have experienced the most significant increases include cheese, ham, yogurt, and frozen products. From September 2022 to September 2023, there has been a 11.9% increase in the fresh product section of supermarkets.
Energy and the textile industry are not spared
According to the same INSEE report, in September, energy prices surged by 3.1% for petroleum products such as diesel (6.9%), gas bottles (2.1%), and gasoline (3.3%). Electricity prices also saw a 13.3% increase, and manufactured products increased by 0.1%. The clothing and footwear sector also witnessed rising prices. Dressing and footwear have become more expensive than usual. The only sector that experienced price decreases is the services sector, with a 1.4% decrease. This includes the healthcare sector, which has not seen any significant changes since August, as well as the transportation sector.
