Inflation in the Philippines accelerated to 4.1% in March 2026, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday.
The latest figure marks a sharp increase from the 2.4% recorded in February 2026 and 1.8% in March 2025.
PSA Chief Claire Dennis Mapa said the surge was largely driven by higher transport costs, which posted a 9.9% inflation rate and accounted for 54.8% of the overall upward trend.
“Ang nag-ambag sa mas mataas na antas ng inflation ng transport nitong Marso 2026 ay ang pagtaas ng presyo mula sa pagbaba ng presyo noong Pebrero 2026 ng mga gasolina at diesel,” Mapa explained.
The uptick in inflation comes amid successive increases in petroleum prices, largely attributed to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.