SANTO DOMINGO.- The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reported that the consumer price index (CPI) registered a monthly variation of 0.33% in September 2026, while the year-on-year inflation measured from September 2025 to September 2026 stood at 5.12%, slightly lower than the previous month, in a context where inflation expectations remain anchored to the target in the monetary policy horizon.
The monetary institution explains that the CPI arises from the weighted average of the price variations of the 364 items that make up the national basket, which in turn are classified into twelve groups of goods and services according to international statistical guidelines.
The report from the issuing body indicates that core year-on-year inflation fell for the second consecutive month to 4.61% in September 2026, for a cumulative reduction of 35 basis points compared to the 4.96% recorded in June and July, remaining within the target range of 4.0% ± 1.0% set by the Central Bank.
It is also worth noting that the core CPI showed a monthly variation of 0.22%. This indicator provides clearer signals for monetary policy, as it excludes certain items whose prices do not typically reflect liquidity conditions in the economy, such as some highly volatile food items, fuels and services with regulated prices like electricity and transportation, as well as alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
Variation by groups
The Central Bank states that an analysis of the monthly evolution of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September 2026 shows that the recorded variation was primarily due to price increases in the Transportation, Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, and Education groups, which together accounted for 85.05% of the month's inflation. In contrast, price reductions in the Communications group helped to partially moderate the index's variation.
The entity also states that the Transportation group saw a 0.64% increase, driven primarily by government-mandated price adjustments for regular and premium gasoline and diesel fuel amid high oil and petroleum product prices. Increases in school transportation services also contributed to this growth. These increases were offset by decreases in airfare.
The price index for the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages group showed a variation of 0.43%, explained by price increases in items such as green plantains, pumpkins, green pigeon peas, limes, sweet potatoes, purified water, rice, and eggs. Conversely, reductions in the prices of fresh chicken, avocados, potatoes, oranges, and cassava mitigated the group's variation and its impact on the overall CPI.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Education group rose by 1.85% in September, driven by increases in private school tuition fees for preschool, primary, and secondary education. This trend reflects the seasonal pattern associated with the start of the school year and the enrollment period, a time typically marked by price adjustments for these services. Additionally, increases were observed in university education services.
As for the Communications group, the monthly variation of -1.06% was associated with the improvements introduced in postpaid cell phone plans, which incorporated a greater amount of data, which resulted in a reduction in the prices of these services.
Meanwhile, the Restaurants and Hotels group showed an inflation rate of 0.34%, as a result of price increases in food services prepared outside the home, particularly the daily special. Similarly, the Consumer Price Index for Miscellaneous Goods and Services showed a rate of 0.20%, mainly attributable to price increases in personal care services, notably hair cutting, washing, and styling.
Variation in tradable and non-tradable goods
The CPI for tradable goods showed a rate of 0.44% in September 2026, associated with adjustments in regular and premium gasoline, diesel, and some food items. The index for non-tradable goods and services reported an inflation rate of 0.22%.
Inflation by geographic region
Inflation by geographic region in September compared to August 2016 shows that the Ozama region, which includes the National District and Santo Domingo province, registered a variation of 0.29%, the North or Cibao region 0.34%, the East region 0.36%, and the South region 0.41%. The inflation rate observed in the South region was primarily due to price increases in the Transportation and Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages groups. In contrast, the Ozama region exhibited a lower variation due to a greater impact from price reductions in communication services and tour packages.
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) indicates that the price indices by socioeconomic strata reflected inflation rates of 0.29% in the first quintile, 0.31% in the second quintile, and 0.35% in the third quintile. Meanwhile, the fourth and fifth quintiles showed variations of 0.29% and 0.25%, respectively. The third quintile registered the highest inflation, due to the combined effect of increases in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Transportation, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services. The variations in the fourth and fifth quintiles are attributed to a lower contribution from food and the negative impacts of the Communications and Recreation and Culture groups.
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