Inflation in Antigua and Barbuda declined by 0.8 percent in February, driven largely by falling food prices that have brought some relief to household budgets.

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics show that the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index fell by 1.1 percent over the 12-month period, with several staple items recording notable declines.

Among the biggest contributors were sharp reductions in fruit prices, which dropped by 11.8 percent, and vegetables, down 3.8 percent. Meat and meat products fell by 3.6 percent, while bread and cereals declined by 1.3 percent. Non-alcoholic beverages also recorded a significant decrease of 3.3 percent.

The broader food index declined by 0.8 percent year-on-year, reflecting lower costs across five of the nine major supermarket food groups.

Despite the overall downward trend, some food categories moved higher. Fish and seafood prices rose by 12.3 percent over the year, while milk, cheese and eggs increased by 0.5 percent, highlighting uneven price movements within the food sector.

On a monthly basis, inflation edged up slightly, with the CPI increasing by 0.2 percent in February following a 1.9 percent decline in January. While the food index remained unchanged month-to-month, individual categories showed mixed results, with falling prices for meat and bread offset by increases in seafood and vegetables.

The latest figures suggest that easing food prices are playing a central role in reducing inflationary pressures, even as cost increases in other sectors continue to shape the overall cost-of-living picture.