Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa's inflation rate continues to rise, and this 2nd quarter comprising April through June 2026 is now at 2.3%. The quarterly percentage change is also recorded at an increase of 3.2%. The Transportation Group is still in the highest expenditure category both quarterly and annually.

ANNUAL GROUP MOVEMENTS

In the second quarter of 2026, the Transportation Group recorded the highest expenditure increase at 17.2%. Following this, the Other Goods and Services Group rose by 5.3%, while the Housing Group saw a 2.4% increase. The Education and Communication Group grew by 1 .4%, the Entertainment Group increased by 0.9%, and the Medical Care Group had a rise of 0.5%. However, two groups experienced declines this quarter; Alcoholic Group decreased by 3.2%, and the Food Group by 1.5%.

QUARTERLY GROUP MOVEMENTS

Although the annual percentage change for the Food Group is negative, there was a 0.3% increase in the quarterly change. The only food item that has seen an increase of over 20% is turkey wings, which rose by 22.4%. Other food items that have increased in price include noodles (6.4%), tea bags (6.1%}, salt beef (4.3%), lamb neck (3.7%), and cooking oil (3.6%). Conversely, several food items have decreased in price this quarter, including eggs, which dropped by -14.9%, onions (-5.1%), bacon (-4.0%), boneless beef (-3.7%), and pork (-3.6%). Egg prices have significantly declined this year and are now at $2.04 for a small dozen. Some food items have maintained their prices despite these fluctuations; for example, flour, bread, water, pizza, and tuna have all remained stable. The Alcoholic Group experienced a quarterly percentage change of 0.3%. The cost of beer has risen to 0.7%, while wine and distilled spirits have not changed this quarter.

The Housing Group has seen an increase of 4.1 % this quarter. The cost of electricity has risen significantly, with a 24.3% increase. As of May 2026, the price of electricity per kilowatt has reached $0.46, up from $0.37. In addition to electricity, the cost of ASPA water has also gone up by 4.3%. Several other housing materials have experienced price increases this quarter, including weed whackers (3.1%), construction materials (2.1%), and construction tools (0.6%). However, three housing items have seen decreases in price: fans (-4.4%), air conditioners (-2.3%), and electric hand tools (-0.5%).

The Apparel Group saw an increase of 2.1 %. Prices for apparel items such as T-shirts, girls' dress, women's dress, men's & boys' footwear, and baby wipes have remained unchanged as compared to last quarter. The Medical Care Group also experienced a rise of 1.9%. All medical items, including non-prescription drugs, bandaids, emergency room charges, and prescription glasses, have also kept the same prices as last quarter.

At 5.8%, the Education & Communications Group experienced an increase this quarter. This group has observed a 22.4% rise in school registrations. The cost of iPads has also reported a 12.3% increase.

Additionally, postal service charge (7.5%), secondary tuition (5.1 %), and primary school tuition (4.0%) are other Education and Communication items that have increased in price. Despite these increases, some items within the group have remained stable. These stable items include college tuition, backpacks, smartphones, and calculators.

Other Goods and Services Group increased by 6.8%. Three items that have influenced this increase are deodorant (0.2%), soap (8.5%), and funeral services (11.8%). Shampoo (-1.4%) and conditioner (-0.5%) are the only items that saw a price drop.

Out of the nine groups monitored in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), only the Entertainment Group recorded a decrease of -2.5%. Within this group, four items experienced price changes. Three items saw an increase in costs: flat-screen TV (3.9%), cat food (0.5%), and bingo paper (0.4%). In contrast, the price of books dropped significantly by -10.0%.

The Transportation Group remains the highest expenditure category at 10.7%. This increase is primarily due to rising costs of diesel and gas stemming from the ongoing global effects of the war. Diesel prices have reportedly increased by 69.7%, bringing the cost to $7.24 per gallon, while gas prices have risen by 44.8%, averaging $5.50 per gallon. In addition to these increases, the price for an auto tune-up has gone up by 5.3%, and airfare costs have reported a slight increase of 0.001%. Nevertheless, certain transportation items, such as the cost of tires, bus & taxi fares, and automotive purchases, have remained the same price this quarter.

Average gas and diesel prices are as follows:

Gas:                              Diesel:

Q2/2025: $4.01            $4.19

Q3/2025: $4.12            $4.39

Q4/2025: $4.06            $4.38

Ql/2026: $4.01             $4.27

Q2/2026: $5.50            $7.24

COMPARATIVE COST OF SELECTED GOODS AND SERVICES IN MANU'A

The following chart is a quarterly comparison of cost of selected goods/services purchased in Tutuila compared to same products/services purchased by residents in Manu'a. The objective is to identify cost differentials and the magnitude of differences between the two islands.

A sample of average commodity prices normally purchased in the regular CPI was used as the survey template with the same commodity descriptions, weights, detailed specifications, brand names, etc., to make direct comparisons. Eleven stores in Ta'u, Ofu and Olosega islands were selected and 28 commodities including Food (21 items), Housing (2 items), Alcohol (2 items), Miscellaneous (2 items) and Transportation (1 item) were priced.

The reported cost difference between Tutuila and Manua is 68.45%. Many products in the Manua Islands are limited or unavailable due to high shipping and transportation costs, as well as the closure of stores when owners travel to the mainland for family obligations and vacation.