Philippine inflation reaches 7.8% in October as transport costs rise
Year-to-date inflation averaged 5.6%, above the government’s 2% to 4% range.
Consumer prices in the Philippines rose 7.8% in October 2026, compared with 7.2% in September, National Statistician and PSA chief Claire Dennis Mapa reported at a press briefing. Inflation accelerated for a second consecutive month, mainly reflecting quicker increases in transport, fuel and utility costs.
Mapa identified transport as the main driver of the acceleration. The category recorded inflation of 20.1% and accounted for 62.9% of the overall inflation uptrend.
Increases in road transport costs, including jeepney and bus fares, together with higher gasoline prices, pushed transport inflation higher, Mapa said.
The October figure took average inflation for the year to date to 5.6%, remaining above the government’s range of 2% to 4%.
