Negros Oriental. Map data by Google Maps.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Negros Oriental reported Monday that the province’s inflation rate climbed in February compared to the previous month.
PSA Negros Oriental provincial director and chief statistician officer Ariel Fortuito said the rate is also slightly higher than in the same period last year.
He noted that the inflation rate for February 2026 reached 1.8 percent, up from 0.8 percent in January.
In comparison, the inflation rate in February 2025 was recorded at 0.2 percent.
Fortuito said the main contributors to last month’s increase were food and non-alcoholic beverages, accounting for 69.4 percent, and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, contributing 29.4 percent.
He added that rising fuel prices from the Middle East conflict are not yet reflected in February’s figures, as the crisis had just started.
Fortuito said the effects of the Gulf region conflict, especially higher fuel costs, are expected to show up next month and in the following months.
He expressed hope that the situation in the Middle East would not worsen, as it could lead to further increases in basic goods and commodities in the province.
