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CEBU CITY — Central Visayas' inflation rate remained at 2.5 percent in February 2025, unchanged from January, as lower rice prices offset rising costs in other essential sectors.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation eased slightly, dropping from 2.9 percent in January to 2.6 percent in February, offering some relief to consumers. The decline was driven mainly by falling rice prices, which saw a deeper deflation from -2.9 percent in January to -4.5 percent in February.
However, higher costs in other essential sectors counterbalanced these gains, keeping the overall inflation rate steady.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel saw inflation rise from 2.6 percent to 2.8 percent, adding to the financial burden of households already dealing with increased transportation costs.
Transport inflation climbed from 3.2 percent to 3.8 percent, reflecting higher fuel prices and other operational expenses that trickled down to commuters and businesses.
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PSA Central and Eastern Visayas officer in charge Wilma Perante clarified that the steady inflation rate does not mean prices have remained unchanged.
She explained that some commodities saw price increases while others decreased, ultimately balancing out the region's overall inflation rate.
Regional inflation trends also showed mixed results. In Bohol and Cebu, inflation crept up, with Bohol's rate rising from 2.7 percent to 2.9 percent and Cebu's from 3.2 percent to 3.5 percent.
On the other hand, several areas saw notable declines, particularly Negros Oriental, where inflation dropped significantly from 1.0 percent in January to just 0.2 percent in February, signaling a slowdown in price increases for essential goods in the province.
The data suggests that while the overall inflation rate appears stable, everyday expenses for residents of Central Visayas remain unpredictable.
Consumers may find themselves paying less for rice but more for utilities and transportation.
Businesses must navigate fluctuating costs in different sectors, while policymakers continue to monitor inflation's impact on household budgets.
