(Inaasahan sa second half ng taon) MAS MABILIS NA INFLATION

INAASAHANG tataas ang consumer prices ng higit sa inaasahan sa huling anim na buwan ng taon sa gitna ng paggalaw ng global prices, ayon sa Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Sinabi ni BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno na ang inflation ay tinatayang maitatala na mas mataas sa 2%-4% target range sa second half ng taon dahil sa mataas na global oil at non-oil prices at positive base effects.

“The rise in global crude oil price pressures brought about by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict have contributed to the increase in energy-related prices,” sabi ni Diokno sa isang virtual briefing.

Ang domestic pump prices ay 12 beses na tumaas sa nakalipas na 14 linggo, na ayon sa Department of Energy (DOE) ay sanhi ng nagpapatuloy na krisis sa pagitan ng Russia at ng Ukraine na nakaapekto sa global supplies at nagtulak sa mas mataas na presyo sa pandaigdigang merkado.

“At present, we have not seen clear signs of second-round effects in terms of actual changes in transport fares or wages,” ani Diokno.

“We are aware that inflation is likely to remain elevated in the coming months due mainly to domestic and global supply-side pressures. Inflation expectations have likewise risen but they continue to be anchored to the 2% to 4% target band.”

Umaasa ang BSP na maitatala ang average inflation sa 4.3% ngayong taon, na nagpapakita ng epekto ng mas mataas na global commodity prices, bago bumagal sa  target band sa first quarter ng 2023.

“The BSP is prepared to act as necessary should we see stronger indications of second-round effects such as when they are already broad-based price pressures, and inflation expectations become disanchored,” dagdag ni Diokno.