YEAR-ON-YEAR headline inflation slowed down to 3.8 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2019 from 5.9 percent in the last quarter of 2018.

Ths is within the National Government’s target range of 3.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage point for the year.

The lower inflation during the quarter mainly reflected the significant deceleration in food inflation amid improved supply conditions.

Similarly, core inflation declined to 3.9 percent in Q1 2019 from 4.9 percent in the previous quarter. (PR)