Analysts mixed on January inflationMANILA, Philippines — Analysts are divided on whether inflation picked up or eased in January from a month prior, with forecasts clustered near that level as food and energy pressures were partly offset by lower utility and vegetable costs. “Headline inflation likely remained steady at 1.8 percent year on year in January as food and energy pressures offset easing utility and vegetable costs,” BPI lead economist Jun Neri said. Neri also noted that rice prices have been climbing on a monthly basis. “Persistent deflation in rice prices likely helped contain food inflation. “Spending on alcohol and tobacco, clothing and footwear, utilities and furnishings were all in the red while consumption of food also slipped to 3.8 percent despite lower inflation and lower rice prices,” he said.

Source: Philippine Star February 01, 2026 16:34 UTC