The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) expects inflation to climb above its six per cent target ceiling for at least two consecutive quarters and warned it stands ready to adjust interest rates if price pressures prove persistent.

"Inflation in Jamaica is therefore forecast to trend upwards over the June and September 2026 quarters beyond the 6.0 per cent upper limit of the Bank's target range. This will be mainly driven by supply and cost pressures," said BOJ Governor Richard Byles on Tuesday at the BOJ's quarterly monetary policy press conference in Mandeville.

Last week, the BOJ's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously to hold the policy rate at 5.50 per cent. "The MPC is prepared to adjust its monetary policy stance if the conflict in the Middle East is protracted, resulting in sustained price increases," Byles added.