Swifter inflation at 5.6% to 6.4% projected in April 2026—BSP

Inflation, which measures the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services, is expected to accelerate beyond the government’s comfortable ceiling in April amid cost pressures brought by the global oil crisis.

In its month-ahead inflation forecast, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said inflation rate would settle at the range of 5.6% to 6.4% this month, faster than the 4.1% rate seen in March.

The central bank’s forecast range is seen to overshoot the government’s 2% to 4% threshold.

The projected figures were also last seen in 2022 and 2023 when the fuel and fertilizer prices jacked up following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.

“Inflation risks have intensified amid upward price pressures from significantly higher domestic petroleum prices, rising prices of key food items such as rice, fish, and meat, increased electricity charges, and the peso depreciation,” the BSP said.

The central bank, however, said that the anticipated decline in vegetable and fruit prices may help temper inflation, but sources of upside price pressures continue to warrant close monitoring.

“The BSP will remain vigilant and guided by incoming data, specifically on inflation and growth prospects,” it said.

“We will continue to monitor recent developments in the Middle East for their implications on inflation and economic activity,” it added.

The Philippine Statistics Authority is scheduled to release the official inflation figures for April on May 5, 2026. —AOL, GMA News