Zamboanga del Norte’s headline inflation in October 2022 had dropped by 0.3 percent from the previous month's headline inflation of 7.9 percent. The average inflation from January to September 2022 stood at 6.7 percent. On the other hand, in October 2021, inflation rate was recorded at 5.0 percent (Figure 1), an increase 2.6 percent on a year-on-year inflation. 

The slowdown in inflation in October 2022 primarily due to the lower annual increment recorded in the index for transportation at 13.9 percent from 18.1 percent in previous month; food and non-alcoholic beverages at 6.7 percent for 8.8 percent in September 2022; and slightly for recreation, sports and culture at 1.9 percent from 2.1 percent from previous month’s inflation.

On the contrary, the commodity group on housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, sparked the highest annual increment at 12.4 percent from previous month’s rate at 6.2 percent only.

Inflation rates of other commodity groups were higher during the month were alcoholic beverages and tobacco, at 7.1 percent; and personal care, and miscellaneous goods and services at 3.8 percent from 3.3 percent in September 2022.

Other commodity groups, i.e. clothing and footwear; furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance; health; information and communication; education services; restaurants and accommodation services; and financial services were at stable and no significant changes.

Table A. Year-on-Year Provincial Inflation Rates in Percent by Commodity Group, September and October 2022, Zamboanga del Norte (2018 = 100)