The inflation rate as of September rose to 7.2% due to rising food and energy prices, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The BSP explained that rice inflation increased due to concerns about tighter domestic supply and higher transportation costs. Fish and vegetable inflation also rose due to weather disturbances, which affected the supply. Concerns over the spread of swine flu are also included as a contributing factor to the inflation increase.

The BSP reported that core inflation increased to 4.7% in September from 4.1% recorded in August. They also clarified that items with volatile prices, such as food and energy, are excluded from core inflation.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank assures to continue the assessment on the impact of Middle East conflicts and weather distrubances to the inflation and economic growth.