Dominican Republic Inflation Accelerates to 1-Year High

The annual inflation rate in the Dominican Republic eased to 4.67% in February 2026, down from 4.98% in January. Inflation remains within the monetary program’s target range of 4.0% plus or minus 1.0%, marking 34 consecutive months of alignment with the target since May 2023. Food prices rose at a slower pace, increasing 7.16% after a 8.03% rise in January. Transport prices increased 2.76%, following a 3.46% rise. Communication inflation slowed to 0.42% from 0.61%, while recreation and culture eased to 1.99% from 2.39%. Deflation deepened in clothing and footwear, falling 1.46% after a 1.43% increase in the prior month.

The annual inflation rate in the Dominican Republic rose for the sixth consecutive month to 4.98% in January 2026, marking its highest level since April 2023 and edging up from 4.95% in December 2025. The increase was primarily driven by stronger price growth in transport (3.46% versus 3.45%), restaurants and hotels (6.97% versus 6.52%), health (5.12% versus 5.10%), and education (7.17% versus 5.83%). Meanwhile, inflationary pressures eased in several categories, including food and non-alcoholic beverages (8.03% versus 8.19%), housing and utilities (2.44% versus 2.47%), furnishings and household equipment (1.76% vs. 1.84%), recreation and culture (2.39% versus 2.71%), communication (0.61% versus 0.79%), and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (5.05% versus 5.11%). In contrast, deflation in clothing and footwear slightly deepened to -1.43% from -1.42%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 0.4%, slowing from 0.84% in the previous month.

The annual inflation rate in the Dominican Republic rose for a fifth consecutive month to 4.95% in December 2025, its highest level since April 2023, up from 4.81% in November. The acceleration was mainly driven by food and non-alcoholic beverages (8.19% versus 8.13%), particularly fresh chicken, as production was disrupted by heavy rainfall, including that associated with Tropical Storm Melissa. Banana prices also contributed to the increase, alongside chili peppers and tomatoes. Price pressures also intensified in restaurants and hotels (6.52% versus 6.02%), furniture (1.84% versus 1.58%), and recreation and culture (2.71% versus 1.52%). Meanwhile, inflation remained unchanged in transport (3.45%) and housing (2.47%). By contrast, inflation eased for alcoholic beverages and tobacco (5.11% versus 5.27%), while prices continued to decline for clothing and footwear (-1.42% versus -1.70%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.84%, the largest increase since December 2022.