Philippine inflation climbs to 1.8% in December amid higher food prices

Inflation in the Philippines accelerated to 1.8% in December 2025, up from 1.5% in November 2025, driven primarily by increased food prices.

The year-to-date average inflation rate for 2025 was 1.7%, remaining below the government's target range of 2% to 4%.

The primary driver for the faster inflation rate was a significant increase in food inflation, which rose to 1.4% in December from 0.1% in November.

While rice prices continued to decrease, they did so at a slower pace with deflation at -12.3% in December compared to -15.4% in November.

Higher prices for vegetables, such as eggplant (29.4%), okra (28%), and string beans (24%), as well as onions and shallots (79%), contributed significantly to the food inflation.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa attributed the rise in food prices partly to strong holiday demand and disruptions to agricultural production caused by recent tropical cyclones in November.