YEAR-on-year headline inflation rose from 6.1 percent in August to 7.2 percent in September, driven mainly by higher food and energy prices.
Average headline inflation for the first nine months of 2026 settled at 5.4 percent. This was above the full-year target of 3.0 percent and beyond the tolerance range of ± 1 percentage point.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy items, also accelerated from 4.1 percent in August to 4.7 percent in September.
Similarly, inflation for households with incomes in the lowest 30 percent of the population increased from 8.2 percent in August to 9.0 percent in September.
Rice inflation accelerated due to tighter domestic supply and higher transportation costs. Fish and vegetable inflation also rose as weather disturbances disrupted supply, while renewed concerns over the spread of swine flu drove meat inflation. Rent and domestic petroleum prices were also generally higher.
Headline inflation in September was within the forecast range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas of 6.4 percent to 7.4 percent for the month.
The BSP remains vigilant and guided by incoming data. It will continue to assess the impact of latest developments in the Middle East and weather disturbances on the outlook for inflation and growth.
metrosundaily
