PH inflation slows to 6.2% in July amid measures to stabilize prices

EASING transport costs, improved supply conditions and government measures helped slow inflation to 6.2 percent in July this year from 6.4 percent in June.

Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the latest data brought the year-to-date average inflation to 5 percent.

In a separate briefing, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the downtrend in inflation in July was due to the slower annual increase in the transport index at 11.9 percent from 12.8 percent in June 2026.

Gasoline inflation in particular slowed to 34.1 percent from 39.2 percent in June, while inflation of other transport by road also slightly declined to 5.3 percent from 5.4 percent.

Food inflation remained steady at 5.3 percent, as lower meat prices and slower increases in vegetable prices offset sharper rice inflation.

In a separate statement, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said among the government measures supporting price stability are assistance programs for the transport sector.

DEPDev said that as of July 24, P2.09 billion, or 84 percent of the P2.5-billion Fuel Subsidy Program, had been disbursed to benefit 498,570 public utility vehicles, while P356.1 million in fuel assistance had been provided to 89,551 PUV drivers under the P10 per liter Fuel Subsidy Program.

“Every peso saved from slower price increases means more room for the family budget for food, transport, education and other essential needs,” DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“While challenges remain, particularly in managing food price pressures, these results show that our interventions are making a difference in easing the impact on Filipino households,” he added.

Despite the slowdown in inflation, DEPDev noted the government’s UPLIFT Committee will continue implementing targeted interventions to protect vulnerable sectors from the effects of higher prices and other economic shocks as highlighted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his recent State of the Nation Address.

The Department of Agriculture is set to complete 380 mechanical drying systems by 2027, expanding post-harvest capacity to reduce grain losses, improve rice quality, raise farmers’ incomes and strengthen domestic rice supply.

These measures aim to strengthen food security and improve the domestic food supply chains.

The government will also intensify the distribution of seed and fertilizer in water-abundant rice-growing areas in Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, while continuing support for drought-affected farmers to minimize production losses.

DEPDev said that over the long term, the government is advancing power sector reforms in line with the Philippine Energy Plan 2023–2050.

These will help reduce the reliance on imported fuels by accelerating the implementation of renewable energy contracts and ensuring the full delivery of awarded capacity.

These measures support the target of adding 25 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2035. (PNA)