The annual inflation rate or the year-on-year change in the consumer price index (CPI) in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region in June 2017 was estimated at 0.8 percent. The June inflation rate was slower relative to the previous month’s 1.5 percent. The rate means that the prices of goods and services in the region in June 2017 were 0.8 percent higher, on the average, for all commodity groups compared to their prices during the same month of the previous year.

During the period, all commodity groups posted an increase in prices, except for Communication which retained the same index as last year. Faster increase in prices were noted in Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (2.3%); followed by Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels (1.7%); Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (0.8%); Health (0.6%); Transport (0.5%) and Restaurant and Miscellaneous Goods and Services (0.5%) and Furnishing, and Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House (0.4%). On the other hand, minimal price hikes were noted in Education (0.3%); Clothing and Footwear (0.3%); and Recreation and Culture (0.2%).