ANTIQUE — Inflation in Antique surged to 7.8 percent in April 2026, more than doubling from 3.1 percent in March, driven largely by sharp increases in transport and fuel costs, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The latest inflation figures were presented during a Facebook Live briefing conducted by the PSA Antique Provincial Statistical Office on May 14, led by Chief Statistical Specialist Randy M. Tacogdoy.
Tacogdoy said the rise in inflation was mainly attributed to higher prices in key commodity groups, particularly transport, which posted a 21.3 percent inflation rate in April, up from 8.9 percent in March.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels also recorded a significant increase to 7.0 percent from 3.5 percent, while food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 5.0 percent.
According to the PSA, the increase reflects the continued rise in the prices of food, transportation, electricity, and fuel-related expenses across the province.
Governor Paolo Javier linked the spike in inflation to strong demand and increasing global fuel and commodity prices, aggravated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“In these challenging times, we must work together — the public and the government alike. I also implore everyone to support local producers and local businesses as much as you can. Magburuligay kita tanan,” Javier said.
The governor urged Antiqueños to remain resilient and to support one another as the province faces both global and domestic economic pressures.
PSA data also showed a continued decline in the purchasing power of the peso.
Based on 2018 as the base year, P100 is now equivalent to only P73 in April 2026, meaning consumers can buy fewer goods and services with the same amount of money.
The PSA said the online briefing was part of its continuing effort to make statistical information more accessible to the public through its official social media platforms./PN
