Filipinos may face higher expenses for fuel, electricity, and transportation this October, even as prices of basic food items such as rice, vegetables, meat, and fish are expected to provide some relief.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) projects that inflation for October 2026 will settle between 7.1 percent and 8.1 percent, reflecting continued pressure on household expenses.
In its month-ahead inflation forecast, the central bank identified higher domestic fuel prices, electricity rates, and transport fares as the main factors likely to push inflation upward.
These increases could affect everyday spending, particularly for households that rely on public transportation and regularly pay for electricity and fuel.
However, the BSP said lower prices of key agricultural commodities, including rice, vegetables, meat, and fish, could partially offset these pressures due to favorable supply conditions.
The BSP also said it would remain vigilant and continue monitoring incoming data, particularly developments affecting inflation and economic growth.
The central bank is likewise assessing how the latest developments in the Middle East could affect the Philippines' inflation and broader economic outlook.
The October inflation projection remains a forecast, with the BSP continuing to evaluate economic conditions as new data becomes available.
