BSP sees Feb inflation at 2.4-3.2%

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) projects February inflation to range between 2.4 percent and 3.2 percent, a slight increase from January's 2.9 percent.

This forecast is influenced by factors such as lower oil prices, electricity rates, rice, and other food products, which are expected to temper price increases.

The BSP's Department of Economic Research will closely monitor economic and financial developments to maintain price stability for balanced and sustainable growth.

Security Bank Corp. chief economist Robert Dan Reyes anticipates February inflation to settle around three percent, citing the minimal impact of the Taal eruption on agricultural recovery and year-on-year fuel price declines.

However, Reyes notes that rising rice export prices from Vietnam and potential export reductions from Thailand due to drought could pose upside risks to inflation in the near term.