Manila: Headline inflation slowed for the second consecutive month, settling at 6.4 percent in June this year from 6.8 percent in May due to easing oil price pressures and government measures to strengthen food supply. In a briefing Tuesday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the latest data brought the January to June 2026 average inflation to 4.8 percent.
According to Philippines News Agency, the slowdown was largely driven by lower transport inflation, which decelerated to 12.8 percent in June from 16.2 percent in May amid easing tensions in the Middle East. Diesel inflation slowed to 39 percent from 58.5 percent in May, while gasoline inflation also eased to 39.2 percent from 51.6 percent. The rise in food and non-alcoholic beverage prices also slowed to 5.2 percent from 5.7 percent in May.
Every percentage point drop in inflation matters to Filipino families, said DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan in a separate statement. It means household budgets can go further, especially for poor families who spend a large share of their income on food and transportation. Balisacan said easing inflation pressures reflect both improving global conditions and the impact of coordinated government measures, such as targeted assistance for farmers, fisherfolk, and transport service providers, as well as lifting of toll fees for vehicles transporting agricultural produce.
The government is implementing the El Ni±o Food Security Action Plan, with a total of PHP26.13 billion allocated to strengthening the country's preparedness to weather disturbances, ensuring adequate food supply, minimizing income losses among affected farmers and fisherfolk, and expanding consumer access to affordable food. The Philippine and Japanese governments are also advancing plans to establish a national strategic petroleum reserve to provide a buffer against geopolitical disruptions and extreme price volatility.
Our goal is not only to bring inflation down but to keep it low and stable. That requires stronger food production, more efficient supply chains, and greater resilience to climate and other shocks, Balisacan said. By strengthening these foundations, we can help Filipino families plan, save, and prosper with greater confidence, Balisacan added.
