Philippine inflation accelerates to 7.2% in September, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, extending a sharp reversal after months of easing. The September figure follows 6.1% in August and matches the rate previously recorded in April. The report says the latest reading is the latest three-year high, ending four consecutive months in which inflation had fallen.
Outlets attribute the rise to higher prices in key categories. Food inflation increases, alongside higher housing-related costs, while transportation and utility costs also contribute. One account links the uptick to adverse weather and rising global oil prices, which raise costs for food and fuel-dependent services.
The coverage also notes how the figure compares with expectations. It exceeds the 6.8% median estimate from a group of economists polled ahead of the release, but it stays within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ forecast range of 6.4% to 7.4%.
