Negros oriental: The inflation rate in Negros Oriental significantly jumped in March compared to the previous month, largely driven by rising fuel costs and a shortage in local corn supply, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PSA-Negros Oriental chief statistical specialist Ariel Fortuito stated that the March inflation rate for all income households was pegged at 3.0 percent, a sharp increase from February's 1.8 percent. This figure marks a stark contrast to the negative 0.7 percent recorded in March last year.

Fortuito identified the main drivers of the acceleration as the transport sector, which experienced a 9.6 percent inflation rate and contributed 63.7 percent to the upward trend, followed by food and non-alcoholic beverages at 20.4 percent, and restaurants and accommodation services at 12.0 percent.

The official attributed the rising fuel prices to the ongoing Middle East conflict, impacting the cost of living throughout the province. He noted the critical role of the food and beverage sector in inflation due to the essential nature of consumption. Within this group, corn specifically contributed 10 percent to the March inflation.

Fortuito confirmed reports from the Department of Agriculture highlighting a severe shortage of corn in the province, attributed to land conversions, adverse weather conditions, and a declining number of farmers.

The inflation impact was also felt heavily by vulnerable sectors, as food inflation for the bottom 30 percent income households rose to 3.3 percent in March from 2.3 percent in February, markedly higher than the negative 2.0 percent inflation rate recorded for the same group in March 2025.

Fortuito expressed concerns that the upward trend might persist in the coming months as global economic instability continues to impact local prices.