PSA - 0.9% inflation rate nitong Hulyo, pinakamabagal mula noong October 2019 | 24 Oras

Summary

Inflation in the country slowed to its lowest rate since 2019, reaching just 0.9% in July, down from 1.4% in June and significantly lower than 4.4% in July 2024. Key factors include reduced electricity bills, lower LPG prices, and government-subsidized rice. However, pork, chicken, and fish prices remain high. While some food costs are down, transportation expenses are still climbing. Recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon have impacted vegetable prices. Seniors are particularly feeling the strain, with the rising cost of living and increased petroleum prices. The Piston group is calling for the removal of certain taxes on oil.

Takeaways

• 😀 Inflation in the country was at its slowest since 2019, with only a 0.9% increase in July, down from 1.4% in June.
• 😀 The current inflation rate is significantly lower compared to July 2024, which had a 4.4% inflation rate.
• 😀 The Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) attributes the slower inflation to reduced electricity bills and lower prices of LPG, food, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• 😀 Food items like rice contributed to the decrease in inflation, with a Php20 per kilo government-subsidized rice program helping.
• 😀 Despite lower overall inflation, the prices of pork, chicken, and fish remain high, with pork prices rising from Php335 per kilo last year to Php371 per kilo in July.
• 😀 Transportation costs have also gone down, contributing to the overall slower inflation, but prices are still considered expensive for most goods.
• 😀 The PSA highlights that low inflation does not mean all goods are cheaper, as some items like pork continue to see price increases.
• 😀 There are concerns about future rice prices, with an expected increase if tariffs on imported rice rise.
• 😀 Vegetables have become more expensive due to the effects of recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon.
• 😀 Seniors are experiencing difficulty managing maintenance costs as the prices of essential goods and services continue to rise.
• 😀 The Piston Group is calling for the removal of value-added tax (VAT) and excise tax on oil products to help alleviate the financial burden on the public.

Q & A

What was the inflation rate in the country in July 2025?

The inflation rate in July 2025 was at its slowest since 2019, at only 0.9%, compared to 1.4% in June and 4.4% in July 2024.

Why is July 2025's inflation rate considered the slowest in almost six years?

It is considered the slowest since October 2019 due to the significant decrease in the rate of price increases, particularly in electricity bills, LPG, food, and non-alcoholic beverages.

What factors contributed to the slower inflation in July 2025?

The slower inflation was mainly due to the decrease in electricity bills, LPG prices, food costs (especially rice), and non-alcoholic beverages. The government's Php20 per kilo rice program for selected sectors also helped.

How did the price of rice impact inflation in July 2025?

The price of rice dropped, particularly regular meal rice, which helped to substantially lower the overall inflation rate. The government's Php20 per kilo rice program played a key role in this.

What was the price of pork per kilo in July 2025 compared to July 2024?

In July 2025, the average price of pork per kilo was Php371, which is higher than the Php335 per kilo in July 2024.

Will rice prices continue to be low in the future?

Rice prices are expected to remain cheap unless the government increases tariffs on imported rice. If tariffs rise, retail prices are likely to increase as well.

What external factors have affected vegetable prices in July 2025?

Vegetable prices have increased due to the effects of recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon.

Why are senior citizens concerned about the rising prices of goods?

Senior citizens are struggling with the rising cost of goods, especially with maintenance medications. Additionally, the recent increase in petroleum product prices has added to their financial burden.

What action is the Piston Group calling for in response to rising oil prices?

The Piston Group is calling for the removal of value-added tax (VAT) and excise tax on oil to help reduce the cost of petroleum products.

What is the impact of inflation on the general public according to the transcript?

Inflation continues to make living expenses difficult for the general public, particularly seniors who face higher costs for essentials like food, medicines, and petroleum products.