Philippine inflation jumps following ‘Yolanda’

Tacloban city, devastated by powerful Typhoon Haiyan, is seen in Leyte province, central Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Devastation caused by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” Haiyan pushed inflation in the Philippines to a two-year high of 4.1 percent in December, the government said Tuesday.

Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said major food items rose across the board, especially in storm-hit areas.

“Yolanda” lashed the central Philippines in November, leaving 8,000 people dead and missing and more than four million homeless. It also destroyed key infrastructure, which led to gridlocks that resulted in artificial supply crunches, the government said.

“Almost all food items in the average consumer basket increased, which can be mainly attributed to the impact of Typhoon Yolanda,” Balisacan said in a statement.

“Some food items even reached double-digit inflation in the areas hardest hit by the typhoon,” he added.

He said December’s inflation was the highest since the 4.2 percent registered in December 2011.

However, full-year inflation averaged 3.0 percent, which is at the low end of the government’s 3.0-5.0 percent target.

Balisacan said that adding to inflation pressures were an uptick on oil prices as well as a 40 percent hike in generation charges imposed by Manila Electric Co., which distributes power to Manila and its surrounding provinces.

Related Stories:

Dec. inflation seen at over 4%

Inflation accelerated in November due to ‘Yolanda’