MALASIQUI, Pangasinan — Inflation in Pangasinan and La Union climbed in March compared with the previous month, driven largely by higher fuel costs, the Philippine Statistics Authority said.
In La Union, the inflation rate rose to 4.1 percent in March from 1.2 percent in February, according to Supervising Statistical Specialist Malvin Quinto during a forum on Tuesday.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages led the increase, accounting for the biggest share of the uptrend. Rice prices in particular rebounded, posting a double digit inflation rate after recording a decline a month earlier.
Transport costs followed as a major contributor, with gasoline and diesel registering sharp price increases during the period.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels also contributed to the uptick, with liquefied hydrocarbons shifting to positive inflation from a previous decline. Meanwhile, recreation, sport and culture posted a slight slowdown, while other commodity groups remained steady.
In Pangasinan, inflation accelerated to 3.7 percent in March from 1.6 percent in February, said Statistical Specialist Xavier Narvas in the same forum.
Transport costs again drove the increase, with gasoline prices rising significantly compared with the previous month. Food and non-alcoholic beverages came next, with rice prices recovering from earlier negative growth. Electricity and other housing related costs also added to the overall rise.
Officials said the surge in fuel prices since March, linked to tensions in the Middle East, has pushed up transport and production costs. The Department of Agriculture in Ilocos Region added that tighter supply of harvested palay and higher buying prices also contributed to the increase in rice inflation.