The movement of goods and services in Western Visayas accelerated to 2 percent in September from -0.3 percent in August, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Statistical Specialist II Miguel Gallego I said the increase in the overall inflation was mainly due to the slower decline in the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels commodity group, which recorded an inflation rate of -0.3 percent from the -1.8 percent in August.

“The upward trend was also influenced by a faster increase in the transport index, with its inflation rate at -1 percent in the previous month to 1.5 percent in September,” he said.

The housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels commodity group shared 53.3 percent of the upward inflation, while transport had a 42. 3 percent share.

Based on the PSA report, three other commodity groups — clothing and footwear; recreation sport and culture; and personal care and miscellaneous goods — also registered higher inflation at 2.7 percent, 3.7 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, health (1.2 percent), information and communication (0.4 percent), and restaurants and accommodation services (4 percent) have a lower inflation rate.

The remaining commodity groups that include food and non-alcoholic beverages (-1.8 percent); alcoholic beverages and tobacco (4.5 percent); furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (5.3 percent); education services (3.9 percent), and financial services (0.0 percent) retained their inflation rates.

“Of the 13 commodity groups, five recorded higher inflation when compared with August,” he said.

Major contributors to the inflation rate included restaurants and accommodation services, which registered a 4 percent inflation; furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance with 5.3 percent; and alcoholic beverages and tobacco with 4.5 percent.

Gallego said the headline inflation rate has been on a downward trend since January, and even recorded a negative rate in August.

Amid the increase in September, it remains to be seen if there is going to be an upward trend this last quarter of the year, he said.PNA