Philippine inflation eased unexpectedly in March, the latest figures from the National Statistics Office showed Friday.
The rate of inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, eased to 3.2 percent in March from 3.4 percent in February. Economists expected the rate to stay at the February level.
Prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, utilities and transport posted slower annual increments during the month, the statistical office said.
Month-on-month, headline inflation eased to 0.1 percent in March from 0.3 percent in February.
The core inflation measure, that excludes selected food and energy items, remained unchanged at 3.8 percent on an annual basis.
Separately, the statistical office reported that the Philippines' producer price index fell 9.1 percent year-on-year in February following a 9.2 percent decline in the previous month. On a monthly basis, however, the PPI rose 0.3 percent.
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