Inflation slowed to 6.8% in May from 7.2% in April as transport and food prices eased despite ongoing energy-related pressures linked to the conflict in the Middle East, and the Philippine Statistics Authority announced the latest economic figures on Friday, June 5.
Copy link 
The latest inflation rate was lower than the forecast range of 7.1% to 7.9% for the month provided by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Despite the slowdown, inflation remained above the target range of the national government of 2% to 4% and stayed near its highest levels in more than three years. Data from the agency showed that average inflation from January to May stood at 4.5%, which exceeds the target range.
At a briefing, National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the slower increase in transport costs was the main driver behind the easing inflation rate in May.
"The main contributor to the lower inflation rate in May 2026 compared to April 2026 was the slower increase in transport prices, which posted a 16.2% inflation rate," Mapa said.
According to the authority, transport inflation eased to 16.2% in May from 21.4% in April following several rounds of fuel price rollbacks. The transport sector accounted for 70.3% of the overall deceleration in inflation during the month. Food inflation also slowed to 5.7% from 6% in April.
Meanwhile, inflation for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels decelerated to 7.8% from 8.2%. The reduction in prices was noted by economic monitors after the government suspended excise taxes on kerosene and cooking gas to help consumers cope up with the rising cost of living.
If external market shocks worsen, further economic disruptions are expected unless immediate fiscal interventions are consistently applied by the government. Following the data release, the central bank cautioned that higher food prices and the continued depreciation of the peso, e.g., against foreign currencies, would result to upward pressure on inflation in the coming months.
The security community and online fans are mourning the loss of Conan, the beloved "Meowguard" of a local business center, who passed away recently after three years of bringing comfort, joy, and a lighter atmosphere to the workplace as a cherished member of the building's security team.
