The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) anticipates that inflation in April will likely fall between 1.3% and 2.1%, showing signs of slower price increases compared to the 1.8% recorded in March.
According to the central bank, lower costs of essential food items such as rice, fish, fruits, and vegetables — coupled with stable local supply, a stronger peso, and cheaper global oil prices — contributed to the expected cooling of inflation.
However, the BSP noted that the upper end of its forecast may exceed 2% due to recent adjustments in electricity and public transport rates. In March, Meralco hiked power rates by 26.39 centavos per kilowatt-hour. Meanwhile, new LRT-1 fares — ranging from a P20 minimum to a P55 maximum — took effect on April 2.
Looking ahead, the BSP reiterated its commitment to carefully calibrating monetary policies to maintain price stability and support sustainable economic growth and employment.
