Food, Beverages and Tobacco (FBT) and Non-FBT Items
(NCR and AONCR - May 2009)

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 went up to 151.4 in May from 151.3 in April while that for AONCR, its level decreased to 163.2 from 163.8.

   The effect of typhoon Dante and Emong on agricultural crops in southern part of the country in May generally affected the supply of fruits and vegetables in selected regions including NCR. However, this seasonal factor did not push up prices of FBT items in NCR relative to the expected trend. In AONCR, this seasonal factor did not affect prices of FBT items.

   The month-on-month inflation of seasonally adjusted CPI for FBT items in NCR was posted at 0.1 percent in May from a negative rate of 0.1 percent last month while that for AONCR, it dropped to -0.4 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 eased to 159.6 in May from its April level of 160.4. On the other hand the seasonally adjusted CPI of non-FBT items for AONCR picked up to 157.2 in May from 157.1 in April. Higher demand for some clothing items and school supplies in preparation for the coming opening of classes were noted during the month. This seasonal factor however, did not raise prices of non-FBT items in NCR and AONCR relative to the expected trend.

Compared to last month, prices of seasonally adjusted CPI for non-FBT items in NCR and AONCR correspondingly decelerated to -0.5 percent and 0.1 percent in May from their respective last months rates of 0.9 percent and 0.4 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: June 5, 2009