Slower Fuel and Food Price Increases Help Pull Down Inflation to 6.8% in May
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Inflation in the Philippines eased in May 2026, offering modest relief to consumers as the rate slowed to 6.8 percent from 7.2 percent in April, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Denis Mapa said the slowdown reflected a deceleration in price increases across major commodity groups, signaling easing cost pressures in the economy.
Transport costs were a key factor in the improvement, with gasoline and diesel prices posting slower increases during the month, helping ease overall inflation.
Food inflation also showed signs of cooling, as price gains for key commodities including onions, pork, and bangus moderated compared to earlier months.
In addition, the housing and utilities sector contributed to the decline, driven by softer movements in LPG, kerosene, and residential rental rates.
Despite the improvement, officials cautioned that inflation remains relatively high, and continued vigilance is needed due to external risks such as global oil volatility and supply chain pressures.
The May reading marks one of the first notable slowdowns in recent months, offering cautious optimism for households still grappling with elevated living costs.
ia/xf
