Inflation in Central Visayas surged to 7.4 percent in March 2026, its highest level in a year, as rising transport and food costs tightened pressure on households.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Central Visayas reported that the latest rate climbed from 6.0 percent in February and sharply increased from 3.0 percent in March 2025.
Transport costs drove the spike, contributing 69.9 percent of the overall increase.
Fuel prices remained the primary factor, with gasoline inflation hitting 22.3 percent, alongside higher diesel costs and increased domestic airfares.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages followed as the second major contributor at 23 percent. Inflation in the sector rose to 10.1 percent from 9.3 percent in February.
Among key commodities, vegetables, tubers, and bananas posted one of the steepest increases at 51.4 percent, while fish and seafood reached 15.9 percent.
Rice also reversed its previous decline, recording a 3.5 percent increase after a negative rate in the prior month.
Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels registered 4.2 percent inflation, driven by higher electricity and water costs. Restaurants and accommodation services also climbed to 9.7 percent.
Across the region, inflation accelerated in several areas. Cebu Province recorded 9.1 percent, while Cebu City rose to 6.8 percent. Mandaue City posted 6.1 percent, and Lapu-Lapu City reached 8.1 percent.
The impact was more pronounced among lower-income households, with inflation for the bottom 30 percent rising to 8.3 percent from 6.9 percent in February and 2.4 percent a year ago, as transport, food, and housing costs continued to climb.
The PSA noted mixed price movements across commodity groups, with some remaining stable while others increased.
Photo by: Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
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