Inflation in Ilocos Region Rises to 2.4% in April, Led by Increases in Food and Transport Costs

ILOCOS REGION — The inflation rate in the Ilocos Region rose to 2.4 percent in April, marking a slight increase from 2.2 percent in March, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

According to Philippines News Agency, PSA-Ilocos Regional Director, the increase in April’s inflation was primarily due to higher prices across several categories, including food and non-alcoholic beverages, which saw a rise to 6.7 percent from 6.6 percent. Other notable increases were observed in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, as well as furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance. Transport costs significantly rose from 0.2 percent to 1.5 percent, alongside moderate hikes in health, recreation, sports, and culture, and personal care and miscellaneous goods.

De Guzman detailed the changes within the food sector, noting that cereals and cereal products saw a notable increase to 21.6 percent from 20.9 percent, while oils and fats rose from 1.4 percent to 1.9 percent. Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses had a significant reduction in their rate of decline, from -11.4 percent to -3.8 percent. Additionally, sugar, confectionery, and desserts’ inflation rate decreased less steeply than in the previous month.

Conversely, some categories saw reductions or stability in their inflation rates. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco decreased from 6.1 percent to 5 percent, and restaurants and accommodation services dipped slightly from 1 percent to 0.9 percent. Inflation rates for clothing and footwear, information and communication, education, and financial services remained unchanged.

Regionally, La Union reported the highest inflation rate at 3.7 percent, followed by Pangasinan at 2.5 percent, Ilocos Norte at 1.8 percent, and Ilocos Sur at 0.7 percent.