The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday projected April 2026 inflation to rise between 5.6 percent and 6.4 percent, driven by mounting pressures from fuel and food prices.
In a statement, the central bank cited higher domestic petroleum costs, rising prices of key food items such as rice, fish, and meat, increased electricity rates, and the continued weakening of the peso as major contributors to the expected uptick.
While lower prices of vegetables and fruits may help temper inflation, the BSP said upward risks remain significant and require close monitoring.
Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed inflation accelerated to 4.1 percent in March, from 2.4 percent in February, largely due to higher transport fares and food costs linked to global oil price movements.
The March figure brought the country’s average inflation rate for the first quarter to 2.8 percent.
The BSP said it will continue to adopt a data-driven approach in managing monetary policy, closely monitoring inflation trends and overall economic growth.
It also warned that ongoing developments in the Middle East could further affect inflation and economic activity, underscoring continued uncertainty in the months ahead.