Central Visayas inflation rate rises to 7.4% in March

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A STEADY climb in prices has tightened its grip on Central Visayas, with inflation accelerating across food, transport, and basic household costs in March 2026.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority Central Visayas, the inflation in the region rose further in March 2026 as transport and food prices continued to drive pressure on household expenses upward.

During its data dissemination on Tuesday, April 14, data showed the region’s inflation rate increased to 7.4 percent in March 2026, up from 6.0 percent in February 2026.

Additionally, last month's inflation is significantly higher than 3.0 percent in March of last year.

Officials identified transport as the primary driver of the uptick, contributing 69.9 percent to the overall inflation increase.

Fuel prices posted sharp movements, with gasoline inflation at 22.3 percent and diesel-related increases also contributing to higher costs, alongside a surge in domestic passenger air transport.

Food and non alcoholic beverages followed as the second major driver, accounting for 23.0 percent of the inflation uptrend.

The sector recorded a 10.1 percent inflation rate in March 2026, higher than the 9.3 percent posted in February 2026.

Within food items, vegetables, tubers, and bananas posted one of the steepest increases at 51.4 percent, while fish and seafood stood at 15.9 percent.

Rice also reversed earlier declines, shifting to a 3.5 percent increase after posting negative inflation in the previous month.

Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels also contributed to the uptrend, posting a 4.2 percent inflation rate, driven by increases in water supply and electricity costs.

Restaurants and accommodation services registered 9.7 percent inflation, further adding pressure to household budgets.

Across provinces and highly urbanized cities, Cebu province recorded 9.1 percent inflation in March 2026, higher than 8.0 percent in February.

Cebu City rose to 6.8 percent from 4.6 percent, while Mandaue City increased to 6.1 percent from 5.0 percent. Lapu Lapu City posted 8.1 percent, up from 6.9 percent.

Inflation also hit low income households harder, with the bottom 30 percent posting 8.3 percent in March 2026, up from 6.9 percent in February and 2.4 percent in March 2025.

Transport, food, and housing costs remained the top contributors to the rise.

Transport inflation for low income households surged sharply due to higher diesel and gasoline prices, while liquid fuels and LPG also recorded notable increases.

Food inflation in this sector reached 10.9 percent, reflecting sustained pressure on basic commodities.

The PSA noted that inflation among major commodity groups showed mixed movements, with several categories posting higher rates while others remained stable.

Financial services and some cultural and education related items remained unchanged month on month.

The latest figures underscore continued price pressures across Central Visayas as global fuel movements and domestic supply factors ripple through transport and food markets, shaping household spending conditions across the region.

Meanwhile, a warning over rising fuel and fertilizer costs is intensifying calls for tax relief as households and key industries feel the squeeze from higher prices.

Senator Bam Aquino urged immediate government intervention as fuel hikes continue to push up the cost of living, with diesel reportedly breaching P150 per liter and LPG reaching around P1,600 per tank.

He raised the issue during a Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing, pointing to global oil spikes linked to tensions in the Middle East and their spillover effects on farmers, fisherfolk, transport workers, and small businesses.(MyTVCebu)