The inflation rate in Negros Oriental increased to two percent in October, up from 1.2 percent in September, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA-Negros Oriental, Ariel Fortuito, said in an interview that the uptick “was expected with the rise in the prices of fuel and other petroleum products.”

“We have observed that any changes in fuel prices consistently impact inflation,” Fortuito said.

The primary drivers of inflation in Negros Oriental include the commodity groups for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which contributed a 59 percent share to the inflation uptrend. Food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for 32.8 percent, while the transport sector contributed 8.2 percent.

Higher inflation in certain food groups was also noted in October, Fortuito said, including cereals and cereal products, meat, and other food items.

Meanwhile, lower inflation was recorded for food items like corn, flour, bread, milk, dairy products, eggs, oils and fats, fruits and nuts, and ready-made food.

Fortuito said it remains uncertain whether the inflation rate in Negros Oriental would rise or decline in the coming months, particularly with the holiday season approaching.

“Department stores and other business establishments typically hold Christmas sales, which may reduce prices and contribute to lower inflation,” he added. (PNA)