St. Kitts and Nevis: Measures to combat the increase in the cost of living./n

Due to increasing inflationary pressures, five short-term fiscal policy measures were adopted for immediate implementation to alleviate the rising cost of living. 1. Reduction of the Selective Consumption Tax on fuel imports from $2.25 per gallon to $0.95, these measures are being taken to mitigate the cost of fuel at the pump and to keep the cost of public transportation affordable for the citizenry. 2. Will extend the Income and Disability Support Programs for an additional three months; 3. The Government reintroduced the tax exemption on food imports by non-commercial importers, this initiative would allow households to import 500 pounds of food free of duties and taxes. 4. The fourth measure will see an eight-month cap on the freight cost used in the calculation of duties and taxes paid on the importation of goods, the limit will be set at the average freight cost for 2019; 5. The elimination of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Import Tax on hygiene items and the elimination of Import Tax and Customs Service Charge on selected items such as vegetables, fruits, fruit juices, cough and cold preparations and vitamin supplements will be extended for an additional six months, from July to December 2022.