NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Prices Pick Up Pace As PH Inflation Jumps To 4.1% In March
FILE
Prices in the Philippines are starting to climb again—and faster than expected.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country’s inflation rate surged to 4.1% in March 2026, a sharp jump from 2.4% recorded in February.
That’s not just a month-to-month increase—it’s also significantly higher than the 1.8% posted in March last year, showing that price pressures are building up again.
So, what’s driving the spike?
The PSA pointed to higher costs in key areas that directly affect daily life: transportation, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and housing-related expenses like electricity, water, and fuel. In short, the essentials are getting more expensive.
Food prices alone saw a 2.8% inflation rate, while core inflation—which strips out volatile items like food and fuel—came in at 3.2%.
Despite the March jump, the bigger picture for the year so far remains relatively moderate. From January to March 2026, the country’s average inflation rate stands at 2.8%.
Still, the latest figures suggest that Filipinos may start feeling a tighter squeeze on their budgets if the upward trend continues in the coming months.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country’s inflation rate surged to 4.1% in March 2026, a sharp jump from 2.4% recorded in February.
That’s not just a month-to-month increase—it’s also significantly higher than the 1.8% posted in March last year, showing that price pressures are building up again.
So, what’s driving the spike?
The PSA pointed to higher costs in key areas that directly affect daily life: transportation, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and housing-related expenses like electricity, water, and fuel. In short, the essentials are getting more expensive.
Food prices alone saw a 2.8% inflation rate, while core inflation—which strips out volatile items like food and fuel—came in at 3.2%.
Despite the March jump, the bigger picture for the year so far remains relatively moderate. From January to March 2026, the country’s average inflation rate stands at 2.8%.
Still, the latest figures suggest that Filipinos may start feeling a tighter squeeze on their budgets if the upward trend continues in the coming months.
Apr 7, 2026
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