Martinique’s Observatory on Prices, Margins, and Incomes (OPMR) held its plenary meeting on April 29, 2025, at the prefecture. According to a press release issued by government officials, several concrete steps and proposals were adopted to strengthen efforts to combat the high cost of living.
Chaired by Patrick Plantard, a magistrate and section president of the regional audit offices, Martinique’s Observatory on Prices, Margins, and Revenues (OPMR) presented the findings of its 2024 work and its key priorities for 2025 on April 29.
At the heart of the discussions: monitoring the price-quality shield (BQP) implemented in July 2024, which covered a list of 134 consumer goods. Government agencies conducted 62 inspections at 56 stores across the island, revealing a non-compliance rate of 30 %—a significant decrease compared to the previous year (when it stood at 60 %). These non-compliance issues—primarily related to product labeling or availability—were, according to the press release, quickly corrected.
Another notable development: the initial results of the objectives-and-resources agreement signed in October 2024 show an average price decrease of 8.4 % across the 54 product categories covered, for the month of January 2025 alone. This agreement brings together the government, economic stakeholders, and representatives of civil society.
Toward an Expanded BQP Covering Services and DIY
Among the key proposals for 2025 is the expansion of the BQP to 250 products, which is nearly double the current number. Two new areas for expansion have also been proposed:
The creation of a BQP specific to automotive services, including routine maintenance services: brake pads, oil change, battery, tires, shock absorbers…
Establishing a BQP dedicated to DIY supplies, a demand that is increasingly being voiced by consumers facing price increases in this segment.
New studies planned for 2025
The OPMR also plans to launch several studies to gain a deeper understanding of prices in sensitive sectors. These include, in particular:
The funeral services
The building materials (cement, cinder blocks, roofing sheet metal)
The rice and bottled water, two everyday consumer products
The prefect of Martinique has committed to mobilizing the necessary human resources to support this work, in close collaboration with the relevant professionals. All proposals have been adopted unanimously by the members of the Observatory, which includes elected officials, labor unions, consumer groups, government representatives, chambers of commerce, and qualified experts.
Source : Press release from the Martinique Prefecture dated April 29, 2025
Read the full press release on the Prefecture's website
