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 moved at its February level of 129.7. However in AONCR, its level went up to 134.1 in March from 133.8 in February.

   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 in NCR and AONCR. In addition, the abundant supply of vegetables and in-season fruits further pulled down the FBT prices relative to the expected trend.

   The monthly rate of change of the seasonally adjusted CPI of FBT items in NCR remained stable as it registered a zero growth in March from -0.2 percent in February. Meanwhile the prices of seasonally adjusted CPI for FBT items in AONCR picked up by 0.2 percent from 0.1 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 posted at their corresponding March levels of 150.8 and 144.6 were higher than their respective previous month�s levels of 150.3 and 144.4.

Higher demand of selected clothing and footwear items during the graduation season pulled up prices of non-FBT items in AONCR. This seasonal factor however, did not affect prices of non- FBT items in NCR relative to the expected trend.

Price increases of seasonally adjusted CPI of non-FBT items in NCR and AONCR picked up correspondingly by 0.3 percent and 0.1 percent in March from -0.3 percent and zero growth, respectively.

Page last updated: April 4, 2007