The annual inflation rate or the year-on-year change in the consumer price index (CPI) in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region in April 2017 was estimated at 1.7 percent, the price change was lesser compared to the previous month’s 2.9 percent. The increase in rate means that the prices of goods and services in the region in April 2017 were 1.7 percent higher on all commodity groups compared to its prices in April 2016.

During the period, all commodity groups posted increases in prices, except for Communication which retained its previous year’s index. The faster increase in prices were noted in Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (3.0 percent); followed by, Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels (2.6%); Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (1.9%); and, Education (1.0%). Minimal increases were recorded in Health (0.7%); Transport (0.7%); Clothing and Footwear (0.6%); Restaurant and Miscellaneous Goods and Services (0.6%); and, Furnishing and Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House (0.5%).