The annual inflation rate or the year-on-year change in the consumer price index (CPI) in SOCCSKSARGEN Region in March 2017 was estimated at 2.9 percent, slower than the previous month’s 3.1 percent. The increase in rate means that the prices of goods and services in the region in March 2017 were 2.9 percent higher, on the average, compared to its prices in March 2016.

During the month, all commodity groups posted an increase in prices, except for Communication which retained its previous year’s index. Faster price hikes were noted in Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels (4.8%); Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (3.8%); Food and Non Alcoholic Beverages (3.4); Transport (1.0%); Education (1.0%); Health (0.9%); Restaurant and Miscellaneous Goods and Services (0.7%); Furnishing, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House (0.6%); and, Clothing and Footwear (0.6%).