Poor households faced higher inflation in July as food and utility costs climbed

Inflation among the bottom 30% of income households rose to 8.2%, driven by higher prices of food, electricity, and other essential expenses.

While overall inflation eased in July, poorer Filipino households continued to face faster price increases.

Inflation among the bottom 30% of income households accelerated to 8.2% in July from 8% in June, driven mainly by higher prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels.

The rate remained below the 8.5% peak recorded in April. Officials also expressed optimism that easing rice prices in the coming months could help temper inflation for lower-income households.

Rice remained a key source of price pressure, with the average retail price reaching ₱49.55 per kilo in July, up from ₱41.31 in the same month last year. Rice inflation stood at 17.1%, its highest level since July 2024.

The government said it will continue rolling out measures to improve food supply, support farmers, and provide fuel subsidies to help cushion the impact of higher prices.

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