Iloilo city: The headline inflation in Western Visayas increased to 6.6 percent in April, up from 3.5 percent in March. 'In 2026, this is the highest,' Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Director Nelida Amolar said in a media briefing on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, data presented by the PSA showed that the inflation hike in April was mainly influenced by the faster annual growth in the index of water, electricity, gas and other fuels; food and non-alcoholic beverages; and the transport commodity groups, recording an inflation rate of 3.3 percent, 21.7 percent, and 4.9 percent, respectively. The top commodity groups that contributed the most to headline inflation included food and non-alcoholic beverages, which accounted for 32.6 percent, followed by transport at 30 percent, and restaurants and accommodation services at 12.3 percent.

Of the 13 commodity groups being monitored, eight recorded increased inflation, three retained their rates from the preceding month, while two posted a lower inflation. Other commodities with increased inflation rates were the alcoholic beverages and tobacco; furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance; health; recreation, sport and culture; and restaurants and accommodation service.

A lower inflation rate was noted in the indices of clothing and footwear, and information and communication, while education services, financial services, and personal care and miscellaneous goods and services retained their inflation rates in March. The region's inflation rate ranked 11th highest in the country, but lower than the 7.2 percent national rate.

Meanwhile, Amolar said all provinces and one highly urbanized city in Western Visayas registered an upward trend in inflation rates in April, compared to March. 'Aklan and Antique recorded the highest inflation rates at 7.8 percent, while Capiz posted the lowest at 4.0 percent. Meanwhile, Iloilo City registered 6.0 percent in April from the 3.9 percent inflation rate recorded in the previous month,' she said. Amolar said the high inflation would impact the spending habits of Ilonggos, and advised consumers to be wise and prioritize what is essential.