March Consumer Price Index: Inflation 1.9%
The Ministry of Economy and Labour released the March 2024 Consumer Price Index from the Department of Statistics today.
A Government spokesperson said, “In summary, consumers paid 1.9 per cent more in March 2024 than they did a year ago for the basket of goods and services included in the Consumer Price Index [CPI]. This level of inflation decreased 0.6 percentage points from the February 2024 annual inflation rate. Some highlights for March 2023 to March 2024 include:
- The Rent division increased 2.3 per cent.
- The Food division advanced 3.7 per cent.
- The Education, Recreation, Entertainment & Reading division increased 3.0 per cent.
- The Health & Personal Care division increased 2.7 per cent.
- The Household Goods, Services & Supplies division rose 2.3 per cent.
“Between February 2024 and March 2024, the average cost of goods and services increased.
“0.1 per cent. Additional areas of note between February 2024 and March 2024 were as follows:
- The Education, Recreation, Entertainment & Reading division increased 0.6 per cent.
- The Tobacco & Liquor division rose 0.6 per cent.
- The Health & Personal Care division increased 0.1 per cent.
- The Rent division increased 0.1 per cent.
The full March 2024 Consumer Price Index follows below [PDF here]:
Inflation in the U.K. in March 2024 was 4.7%. Inflation in the U.S. in March 2024 was 3.5%. Inflation in Canada in March 2024 was 2.9%.
Inflation in Bermuda is lower than the countries from which we acquire the vast majority of our consumable goods.
Given that our inflation rate is lower than those countries from which we acquire the vast majority of our consumable goods, we should consider importing and exporting goods. The old U.S. Navy dock in St. David’s could be used as a free port. Our low inflation rate makes us quite attractive for such a business.
The PLP Government should hire itself out as international economic experts given the state of our economy when compared with that of the U.K., U.S. and Canada.
INSURANCE
Insurance is legaly compulsary under the motor vehicles act regardless if the vehicle owner chooses third party or comprehensive coverage.
Those rates are way beyond ridiculous.
If you choose to protect you self from public liability many people have need to insure their homes also.
I do not see insuance statistics reports listed next to Lettuce and Cherries on the above statics lists after all vehicle insurance is mandated by law.
Aparantly no law is perfect just like the wind that blows and bends the branches of the trees.
That does not make me or i can guess any of you jump for joy!
Several months ago a major insurance company and others most likely included them selves in the bonanza sent me a letter in advance, informing me the my insurance premium on my vehicle was going to increase by 10% .
This caused me to go down on bended knee and reverently pray to the Almighty ..
I can imagine that they wanted to beat the rest of society to the punch.
If I do the math my dollar also is subject to a devaluation of/ by its cash buying power by 10% we are looking at a total of 20% with no mention of that in any of the recent statistical reports.
Hanky Panky people !
Devaluation of a countries currency is catistrophic both you i and our Government suffer you are right them also . That came over night and became a morning supprise !
Come on guys who is winding your clock?
Has any body ever heard of any insurance company going under ?
To be fair while others are not, the cost of vehicle body work went up by leaps and bounds , never the less their actuaries require you to pay the deductable. GOT CHA !
Some time back I over heard an insurance agent explain to a senior that her house damage from a hurricane was caused by an act of God.
Come on guys you can do better.
I guess that there will be no reduction in the premium rates ever.
I guess that next month I may have to consult my friend the ” Mr. Whistle Blower “