Food, Beverages and Tobacco (FBT) and Non-FBT Items
(NCR and AONCR - March 2010)

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 registered at 155.2 was lower than its February level of 155.4. However in AONCR, its level went up to 169.2 from 169.0 last month.

   Seasonal factors such as the peak fishing season for some fish species and the prevalence of favorable weather condition generally resulted to ample supply of fish in the wet markets. In addition, abundant supply of vegetables and in season fruits was noted in the trading areas during the month. Lower demand for meat due to the observance of the Lenten season was also seen in NCR and some regions in AONCR. All these seasonal factors pushed down prices of FBT items in NCR and AONCR relative to the expected trend.

   The monthly rate of change of the seasonally adjusted CPI for FBT items in NCR dropped to -0.1 percent in March from 0.1 percent in February. Meanwhile, prices of seasonally adjusted CPI for FBT items in AONCR moved up at a slower pace of 0.1 percent from 0.2 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 correspondingly increased to 169.1 and 164.5 in March from their last month’s respective levels of 166.9 and 163.8.

Bigger demand of selected clothing and footwear items for the graduation season did not push up prices of non-FBT items in NCR and AONCR relative to the expected trend.

Upward price adjustment of seasonally adjusted CPI for non-FBT items in NCR remained at its last month’s rate of 1.3 percent while in AONCR, it decelerated to 0.4 percent from 0.6 percent.

For technical notes and other related information,
please visit:
http://www.census.gov.ph
or contact the Economic Indicators and Indices Division, NSO
at telephone number 716-3935

Page last updated: April 6, 2010