Negros oriental: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Negros Oriental reported a rise in the province's inflation rate for February, marking an increase from the previous month, as stated by an official on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ariel Fortuito, PSA Negros Oriental provincial director and chief statistician officer, mentioned in a phone interview that February's inflation rate showed a slight uptick compared to the same period last year. "The inflation rate in Negros Oriental for February 2026 is pegged at 1.8 percent, compared to the previous month, which was at 0.8 percent," Fortuito stated.

The inflation rate for February 2025 was recorded at 0.2 percent. The primary contributors to last month's inflation increase were the commodity groups: food and non-alcoholic beverages at 69.4 percent, and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels at 29.4 percent.

Fortuito noted that the rising fuel prices due to the ongoing Middle East conflict have not yet impacted last month's inflation rate, as the crisis in that region had only recently begun. "We would be feeling and seeing the effects of the Middle East crisis, particularly on fuel price hikes, by next month and onwards," he added.

He expressed hope that the conflict in the Gulf region would not escalate further, as it could lead to additional price increases in essential goods and commodities in the province.