1. CPI of Food, Beverages and Tobacco (FBT): National Capital Region (NCR) and Areas Outside the National Capital Region (AONCR)
   

   The seasonally adjusted CPI of FBT items in NCR slightly decreased to 152.2 in March from 152.3 in February. On the other hand, the seasonally adjusted CPI of FBT items in AONCR went up to 157.6 from 156.9.

   Seasonal factors such as the peak fishing season of tuna and the prevalence of favorable weather condition during the month generally pushed down prices of fish and vegetables in NCR and AONCR. The start of the harvest season for rice in selected provinces and the abundant supply of the in-season fruits also pulled down their prices in the two areas relative to the expected trend.

   Prices of seasonally adjusted CPI of FBT items in NCR dropped to 0.1 percent in March from 0.4 percent in February. Meanwhile, prices of seasonally adjusted CPI for FBT items in AONCR still moved at its last month's rate of 0.4 percent.

2. CPI of Non-FBT items: National Capital Region (NCR) and Areas Outside the National Capital Region (AONCR)

The seasonally adjusted CPI of non-FBT items in NCR and AONCR respectively increased to 190.9 and 185.3 in March from their corresponding February levels of 189.7 and 184.5.

The graduation season observed during the month raised prices of clothing items in NCR. However, this seasonal factor did not push up prices of non-FBT items in AONCR relative to the expected trend.

The month-on-month inflation of the seasonally adjusted CPI for non-FBT items in NCR picked up to 0.6 percent in March from 0.4 percent in February. On the contrary, prices of seasonally adjusted CPI for non-FBT items in AONCR at 0.4 percent was the same rate posted last month.

Page Last Updated: April 10, 2003