Puerto Rico’s Government Progress Index (GPI), prepared by Birling Capital, fell for the second consecutive month in September 2026, reaching 22.98 points out of a maximum of 50. The drop was attributed to higher gasoline prices, crime and limited economic growth. The score was down 0.90 points, or 3.77%, from 23.88 in August.
The gap between macroeconomic indicators and the daily experience of the population has widened
Governor Jenniffer González’s administration remains in the "moderate progress" category. "The gap between macroeconomic indicators and the daily experience of the population has widened," said Francisco Rodríguez-Castro, president and chief executive officer of Birling Capital, adding that strengths in manufacturing and construction are not yet fully reflected in citizens’ pockets or in electrical service. Among positive indicators, economic activity grew 0.01%, and the manufacturing purchasing managers index reached 52.9 points.
Cement sales rose 7.81% over the January 2025 baseline, and the local stock index stood 30.94% above that reference level. Regular gasoline rose to $1.16 per liter ($4.39 a gallon), 54.67% above the baseline. Type 1 crimes increased 10.80%, to 14,727, while gross domestic product stayed at 0.40%, below the 2.20% baseline.
Automobile sales fell 20.20%. In the energy sector, the duration of electrical interruptions decreased but remained 15.84% above the baseline, and LUMA estimated the frequency of interruptions at 7.74 events per year.