PANAJI
As Goa has emerged as the third-highest inflationary State in the country for the current financial year so far-significantly above the national average- the Opposition has launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led government, terming the situation “government-made inflation” and accusing it of being indifferent to the struggles of ordinary citizens.
The Economic Survey 2025-26, highlights that Goa has witnessed a steady and consistent rise in inflation over the past three years. From 2.94 per cent in 2023“24, the inflation rate climbed to 3.54 per cent in 2024“25, and has now surged to 4.77 per cent by December 2025, reflecting mounting cost pressures across sectors.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said that inflation in the “tiny State” has reached alarming levels, with essential goods steadily moving beyond the reach of common people.
“The basket of food items is becoming unaffordable. Sky-rocketing land and real estate prices have made housing impossible for a Goan,” Alemao said, adding that corruption and unemployment have also risen sharply under the present regime.
He described the government as “anti-people” and claimed that the household consumer and middle class are bearing the brunt of the rising cost of living.
Alemao pointed out that despite knowing the pressure created by a steady tourist influx, the government has failed to regulate the supply chain. “Prices rise because of demand created by tourism, but there are no checks or interventions. The government is simply not bothered,” he alleged, questioning what citizens can expect from a “sarkar focused on events rather than people’s issues.”
Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Goa’s inflation is policy-driven rather than a result of global factors or RBI decisions. “Inflation has become a permanent feature of life for ordinary Goans and the middle class, while government employees, HNIs, NRIs and OCIs remain insulated,” he alleged, calling the situation a result of governance failure and the absence of a Goa-specific cost-of-living strategy.
He blamed repeated hikes in stamp duty, electricity tariffs, water charges and various user fees for pushing up the cost of living across sectors.
“High fuel prices further inflate transport costs, leading to higher prices of essentials and FMCG goods,” Sardesai said.
He also flagged unchecked real-estate speculation by non-residents, which he said has priced locals out of the housing market, while tourism-driven demand has pegged local prices to visitor spending power.
