Inflation in Central Visayas climbed to 10.8 percent in April 2026, accelerating from 7.4 percent in March as prices of food, fuel, and housing-related items continued to rise.
The latest rate was significantly higher than the 2.0 percent recorded in April last year, reflecting sustained price pressures across the region, according to Philippine Statistics Authority 7 officer-in-charge Director Wilma A. Perante during a May 13 briefing.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the biggest driver, posting a 14.5 percent increase.
Transport followed at 22.5 percent, while housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels rose to 6.0 percent.
Food contributed the largest share to the overall inflation rate, accounting for more than half of the increase.
Transport and housing costs also added significant pressure.
Within the food group, vegetables recorded a sharp 58.8 percent increase, while fish and other seafood rose by 27.2 percent.
Overall food inflation reached 15.4 percent, higher than both the previous month and the same period last year.
Transport costs surged due to rising fuel prices, with gasoline and diesel posting steep increases.
Passenger transport by sea and inland waterways also went up.
Housing-related expenses increased, driven by higher electricity rates and liquefied fuel costs.
Several other sectors also posted increases, including restaurants and accommodation, personal care, and household maintenance, while inflation slowed slightly in alcohol, tobacco, and health services.
For low-income households, inflation rose faster at 14.0 percent, with food, housing, and transport again serving as the main contributors.
Among provinces and highly urbanized cities, Cebu province recorded the highest inflation rate at 12.9 percent, while Bohol posted the lowest at 7.2 percent.
At the national level, inflation reached 7.2 percent in April, the highest in three years, driven by rising oil prices that pushed up fuel and food costs.
Photo courtesy of Vida Homes
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