TACLOBAN CITY-Inflation rate in the province of Leyte slightly went up to 5.1 percent in March 2014, indicating a minimal increase of 0.1 percentage point compared to the 5.0 percent inflation rate in the previous month. The 5.1 percent inflation rate indicates that the general price levels of goods and services in Leyte were higher by 5.1 percent in March 2014 compared to the price levels during the same period the previous year. All of the eleven major commodity groups contributed to the 5.1 percent overall inflation rate. However, the major commodity groups that contributed considerably to the provincial inflation rate were the following: alcoholic beverages and tobacco (14.8 percent); education (12.4 percent) and food and non-alcoholic beverages (7.5 percent). Moreover, five major commodity groups recorded increment on its inflation rate. The highest increase was the 2.9 percentage points increment on the inflation rate of alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Other major commodity groups that likewise recorded increment on its year-on-year rate of price change from February to March 2014 were the following: furnishing, household equipment and routine maintenance of the house (0.3 percentage point); food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.2 percentage point); recreation and culture (0.1 percentage point); and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services (0.1 percentage point). From December 2013 to March 2014, Leyte’s purchasing power of the peso remained at 68 centavos. For more inquiries, please visit our office at Leyte SR Bldg., Artemio Mate Extension, Brgy. Abucay, Tacloban City. (PR)
