This means prices still went up—but at a much slower pace compared to last year’s 3.8 percent. Softer food price increases and deeper transport cost cuts were the main drivers.
Food inflation slowed to 0.7 percent from 2.3 percent in March, led by a sharp 10.9 percent drop in rice prices. Fish, vegetables, meat, and sugar also posted milder increases or outright declines.
Transport inflation slipped by 2.1 percent in April, steeper than March’s 1.1 percent dip. Fuel-related factors continued to ease travel costs.
Metro rises, regions cool
Inflation in Metro Manila rose slightly to 2.4 percent due to higher housing and utility prices.
Outside the capital, inflation fell to 1.2 percent, with deflation in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (1.3 percent) and Soccsksargen (1.4 percent).
