Isabela posts -0.3% inflation in February; But public advised to prepare for possible price hikes amid the Middle East crisis

Ilagan City, Isabela – Prices of basic goods and services in Isabela continued to decline in February 2026, with the province posting a -0.3% inflation rate, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

During a press conference held on March 11 in Ilagan City, PSA-Isabela reported that while the February figure (-0.3%) was slightly higher than the -1.35% inflation rate recorded in January, the province remained under “deflation” for the second consecutive month this year.

Data from the agency showed that the average inflation rate in Isabela for the first two months of the year stood at -0.8%, reflecting the continued easing of consumer prices across the province.

In 2025, the province recorded a 3.7% inflation rate, indicating that the prices of goods and services were significantly higher during the same period a year earlier.

In an interview with Guru Press, Chief Statistical Specialist Julius M. Emperador shared that electricity generation costs remain one of the key factors affecting overall price movements in the province.

He added that changes in supply and demand conditions in the power sector also affect electricity prices.

“One key factor is the adjustment in generation charges, which reflects the cost of producing electricity from power plants. When fuel prices such as coal, natural gas, and oil increase, generation costs also rise, leading to higher electricity rates for consumers. In addition, changes in demand and supply conditions in the power sector will also affect electricity prices,” said Emperador.

Emperador also explained that the main factor behind the negative inflation rate in February 2026 was the decline in prices of commodities under housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels.

“This commodity group contributed 75.6 percent to the provincial trend, particularly electricity, while commodities under food and non-alcoholic beverages contributed 19.3 percent to the trend,” he added.

For consumers, the PSA official reminded the public to avoid panic buying in the coming months amid possible price increases linked to the Middle East crisis, noting that partner agencies are closely monitoring the prices of goods and services.

“For our Isabelinos, we keep reminding them that we have partner agencies monitoring the situation. Do not panic. That is our advice—do not engage in panic buying because there are institutions that will regulate prices should they increase in the coming months,” said Emperador.