Port-au-Prince, May 2024 – The cost of living in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area has surged dramatically, with the price of the food basket for a household of five increasing by 27% to 35,211 Haitian Gourdes (HTG) between January and May 2024.
The scarcity of fuel has forced many residents to turn to the black market, where prices are 40-50% higher than at official fuel pumps. This reliance on overpriced black market fuel is exacerbating economic strain on households.
Food security remains a critical issue, with over 40% of households in the metropolitan area experiencing shocks related to insecurity, and 9% facing challenges due to job loss and business difficulties.
In May, 65% of households were unable to meet their nutritional needs, both macro and micro, with the communes of Cité Soleil, Croix des Bouquets, and Carrefour being the most affected. To cope with the lack of food, at least 80% of households have resorted to negative coping strategies.
The economic downturn is evident, as 61% of households have reported a significant drop in their main source of income, with 46% experiencing a reduction of more than 50%. This continuous decline in household income is further worsening the food security crisis in the region.
The situation in Port-au-Prince underscores the urgent need for intervention to address both the immediate and long-term challenges facing the population.
