Inflation expected to hold below 2.2% in January
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects consumer price growth to remain within a target range of 1.4 percent to 2.2 percent in January, as higher food and fuel costs are tempered by a decline in utility rates.
The central bank said in a statement on Friday, Jan. 30, that upward price pressures during the month likely came from more expensive rice and fish, along with higher domestic fuel costs.
An annual adjustment in excise taxes for alcohol and tobacco products, alongside higher water rates and toll fees, also contributed to the headline figure.
The BSP further noted that the peso’s recent depreciation added to the cost of imported goods.
The projected range suggests inflation remains manageable despite these headwinds.