Inflation Shock: PH Prices Jump to 7.2% as Fuel, Food Costs Hit Pinoy Budgets

Philippine inflation surged to 7.2% in April 2026, the fastest pace in more than three years, as the continuing oil shock pushed fuel, food, and household costs higher, according to data reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The April figure was a sharp jump from March’s 4.1% and far above the 1.4% posted a year earlier. It also pushed the 2026 average inflation rate to 3.9%, already near the top end of the government’s 2% to 4% target range.

Fuel remained the biggest pressure point for consumers. National Statistician Dennis Mapa said gasoline posted a 59.6% inflation rate, while diesel saw a triple-digit 122.7% inflation print, with prices still elevated despite recent rollbacks because of tensions in the Middle East.

Food prices added more pain sa budget. Rice and cereal inflation climbed to 11% in April from 3.6% in March, while fish inflation rose to 9.4%, with officials noting that expensive fuel may have discouraged some fisherfolk from going out to sea.

The impact was heavier outside Metro Manila, where inflation averaged 7.7%, compared with 5.5% in the capital region. The government said it is working on support measures for vulnerable sectors, including fuel subsidies, fare discounts, and efforts to secure more stable energy supply.

Source: Rappler