Inflation in Western Visayas accelerated to 3.6 percent in January 2025, up from 3.4 percent in December, making it the third-fastest rate among regions outside the National Capital Region (NCR) and surpassing the 2.9 percent national average.

During a briefing, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Statistical Specialist Miguel Gallego, attributed the increase primarily to higher inflation in food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport and restaurant and accommodation services.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages saw inflation rise from 2.8 percent in December to 3.4 percent in January.

The major sources include cereal and other cereal products with a 3.3 percent inflation rate, meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals, which posted a 5.2 percent inflation from 2.8 percent, and vegetables, tubers, among others, which recorded a 6.7 percent inflation from 0.8 percent in the preceding month.

Transport inflation increased from 1.8 percent to 2.2 percent, largely due to rising fuel and lubricant costs.

Restaurant and accommodation services inflation climbed to six percent from 5.6 percent month-on-month, mainly driven by restaurants and cafés.

Out of 13 major commodity groups, eight recorded higher inflation rates in January compared to December.

The following provinces experienced inflation increases: Iloilo province: 5.4 percent (up from 4.2 percent) — the highest in the region; Bacolod City: 3.3 percent (up from 2.4 percent); Aklan and Antique: 2.3 percent (up from 1.4 and 1.5 percent, respectively)

Meanwhile, inflation rates declined in Iloilo City: 5.1 percent (from 5.4 percent); Negros Occidental, 2.7 percent (from 3.7 percent), Capiz and Guimaras at 2.5 percent and 2.7 percent (from 2.8 percent each)Aklan retained the lowest inflation rate in the region at 2.3 percent, while Iloilo province had the highest at 5.4 percent. (PNA)