Concern among Jamaican businesses about fuel and transport costs nearly doubled in a single survey period, as rising oil prices push inflation expectations above the Bank of Jamaica's (BOJ) target range.

The share of businesses citing fuel and transport as their top input cost pressure rose to 18.3 per cent in April from 9.7 per cent in February, according to the BOJ's April 2026 Survey of Businesses' Inflation Expectations, conducted by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica between March 23 and April 22.

Utilities also rose, with 30 per cent of respondents naming them their primary cost concern, up from 24 per cent. The island's power utility passes fuel costs directly to consumers, signalling a nexus between both operating expenses (NOT CLEAR). Concern about all other expense categories — stock replacement, raw materials and wages — eased.