QUICK LOOK: PH inflation drops to 2.1% in Feb amid lower food, transport costs
March 5, 2025
9:38AM PHT
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The Philippines' headline inflation rate declined to 2.1 percent in February 2025, down from 2.9 percent in January, driven by slower price increases in food, utilities, and transport, the Philippine Statistics Authority said on Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025.
Key factors behind the February inflation decline:
Food prices slowed: Vegetable inflation dropped to 7.1 percent from 21.1 percent; rice prices also declined.
Transport costs fell: Annual transport inflation turned negative (-0.2 percent) from +1.1 percent.
Lower utility costs: Housing, electricity, and fuel inflation slowed to 1.6 percent from 2.2 percent.
Weaker price growth in goods and services: Clothing, healthcare, and restaurant inflation also moderated.
Regional trends: Inflation was 2.3 percent in NCR and 2.0 percent in areas outside NCR.
The deceleration was primarily influenced by a slower rise in the prices food and non-alcoholic beverages (2.6 percent from 3.8 percent) and declining transport costs (-0.2 percent from +1.1 percent).
The housing, electricity, and fuel sector also saw a slower price increase of 1.6 percent from 2.2 percent in January.
The National Capital Region (NCR) recorded a 2.3 percent inflation rate, while areas outside NCR posted 2.0 percent.
Core inflation, excluding volatile food and energy items, also eased to 2.4 percent.
