February’s inflation registers a slight increase, driven by moderate increase in medicine prices

Santo Domingo- The Central Bank reported on Thursday that February’s inflation closed with a slight growth of 0.32%, driven mainly by a slight increase in the prices of some pharmaceutical products.

The health group, as classified by the monetary entity, reported inflation of 0.56%, influenced by increases in drugs such as antihypertensives, medications for diabetes treatment, analgesics, and anti-inflammatories.

With this slight growth, health was the sector that had the most significant impact on the positive behavior of the consumer price index (CPI) in February.

However, the monthly increase in the CPI (0.32%) was lower than the 0.37% recorded in January of this year, according to the Central Bank, indicating a slight slowdown in inflation.

In lay terms, this suggests that, comparing February’s inflation to January’s, consumers overall experienced a slight increase in the prices of goods and services during the previous month.

In Layman’s Terms, this suggests that, compared to February’s inflation, Consumers Overall experienced a Small increase in the prices of Goods and Services During the Previous months.

Year-on-Year Inflation, which is Measured From February 2024 to Februry 2025, Stood at 3.56%, “Remaining for Fifteen Consecutive Months Between The Lower Limit and the Center of the Target Range of 4.0%± 1.0%, Since December 2023,” The Monetary Entity Reported.

Monthly core inflation also increased slightly by 0.45% compared to January, while year-on-year core inflation stood at 4.21%.

This measure excludes the prices of more volatile goods and services, such as fresh food, fuel, electricity tariffs, and transportation. The numbers show that core inflation remains subdued but rising.

Other economic groups with slight increases
The general CPI inflation rate of 0.32% was also influenced by slight behavior up the transport group, with 0.47%.

According to the Central Bank, this was derived from the price increases in cars, air tickets, and vehicle and rubber repair services.

The Price Index of the Various Goods and Services Group registered a positive variation of 0.47%, driven by price increases in some services and personal care articles.

The IPC of the Restaurants and Hotels Group showed a variation of 0.46% due to increases in the prices of prepared food services outside the home, derived from increases in some supplies that directly affect the cost to the consumer of these food services, explained the Central Bank.

Furniture and household items also evidenced a variation rate of 0.43%, raising prices in cleaning products and household items.

The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages sector registered a slight increase of 0.25% due to price increases in coffee, cabbage, avocados, and rice, among other items.

“On the other hand, reductions were reported in the prices of onions, peppers, and garlic, which contributed to moderating inflation in this group and, consequently, reducing its effect on the general index,” he said.