Philippine E-Journals

Analysis of the Impact of Changes in the Prices of Rice and Fuel on Poverty in the Philippines

Celia M. Reyes | Alellie B. Sobrevinas | Jeremy De Jesus

Discipline: Economics

 

Abstract:

This study aims to assess the impact of rising prices of rice and fuel on poverty in the Philippines. In particular, the variations in the potential effects among different group of households were analyzed using household level data. Results of the study confirm that the impact of increasing prices of rice and fuel vary across different groups of households depending on the sector of employment, level of urbanity, income group and geographical location. In fact, there are losers and gainers from the recent increases in the prices of rice and fuel. In response to higher prices, households adopted different coping mechanisms, some of which are damaging and counter-productive in the medium- and long-run.