Inflation in the Philippines accelerated sharply in April, driven by rising food and transport costs as global supply pressures and geopolitical tensions continued to filter into the domestic economy, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Headline inflation climbed to 7.2 percent in April, a steep jump from 4.1 percent in March. The figure also marks a significant increase from 1.4 percent recorded in April last year.
The surge was largely fueled by higher food prices, which more than doubled to 6.1 percent. Rice posted the sharpest increase, rising to 13.7 percent from 3.5 percent in the previous month, reflecting tighter supply conditions and external market pressures.
Other key food items also recorded notable increases. Corn rose by 21 percent, fish by 9.4 percent, and vegetables by 10.4 percent. Cereals and cereal-based products accounted for the largest share of food inflation, contributing 3.4 percentage points to the overall figure.
Some categories showed signs of easing, with dairy products and edible oils posting slower price growth.
Transport costs also contributed significantly to the uptick, alongside higher energy prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which continue to influence global fuel markets.
Inflation pressures varied across regions. Rural and provincial areas posted a higher rate of 7.7 percent, exceeding the national average.
Among regions, Central Visayas recorded the highest inflation at 10.8 percent, while the Negros Island Region registered the lowest at 4.9 percent.
In the National Capital Region, inflation rose to 5.5 percent, driven by a 9 percent increase in housing and utilities and an 18.1 percent surge in transport costs.
The latest data underscores the continued sensitivity of inflation to food and fuel prices, with impacts differing across regions and income groups as households absorb higher living costs.