Food, Beverages and Tobacco (FBT) and Non-FBT Items
(NCR and AONCR - April 2008)

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 and AONCR were correspondingly higher at 143.9 and 149.6 in April from their respective March levels of 140.6 and 144.6.

   The continued abundant supply of fruits in season brought down prices of FBT items in NCR. On the other hand, this seasonal factor observed in April did not push down prices of FBT items in AONCR relative to the expected trend.

   Prices of the seasonally adjusted CPI of FBT items in NCR rose to 2.3 percent in April compared to the 2.2 percent growth in March. Similarly, prices of these items in AONCR grew by 3.5 percent from 1.1 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 159.3 and 153.1 in April were higher than their respective March levels of 156.6 and 152.3.

Seasonal factors such as the increases in the prices of construction materials during summer pull up prices of non- FBT items in the two areas relative to the expected trend.

After removing the seasonal factor during the month, prices of non-FBT items in NCR climbed by 1.7 percent from 0.8 percent while that of AONCR decelerated to 0.5 percent from 0.7 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: May 6, 2008