THE Philippines’ inflation rate eased to 2.1% in February 2025, down from 2.9% in January, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
This marks the slowest inflation rate since September 2024 (1.9%) and keeps the year-to-date average within the government’s target of 2% to 4%.
The slowdown was primarily driven by decreased food and non-alcoholic beverage prices (2.6% inflation, down from 3.8% in January), contributing 58.8% to the overall decline. This decrease is largely attributed to lower vegetable prices (7.1% inflation, down from 21.1%) and deflation in cereals (-3%, compared to -1.1% in January).
Housing, water, electricity, and fuel costs also contributed to the slowdown (1.6% inflation, down from 2.2%), with electricity prices contracting by 1%. Rentals slowed to 1.6% and LPG prices eased to 3.7%.
Finally, the transport sector contributed to the decline (-0.2% inflation, compared to 1.1% in January), thanks to lower gasoline (-4.7%) and diesel (-3.4%) prices. The PSA’s Deputy National Statistician, Divina Gracia del Prado, attributed the overall decrease to these factors during a press conference in Quezon City.
metrosundaily
