Year-on-Year

The annual increase in the construction materials retail price index (CMRPI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) eased to 1.8 percent in October from 1.9 percent in September. It primarily resulted from the negative annual rate of 2.4 percent noted in miscellaneous construction materials index. In addition, a slower annual gain was posted in masonry materials index at 4.0 percent from 6.2 percent and tinsmithry materials index, 5.7 percent from 6.3 percent. On the other hand, the annual increment in carpentry materials index picked up 0.8 percent from 0.5 percent; electrical materials index, 2.5 percent from 1.7 percent and plumbing materials, 1.6 percent from 1.5 percent. The annual adjustment in painting materials and related compounds index remained at 0.1 percent.

Month-on-Month

The CMRPI in NCR advanced 0.1 percent in October from zero growth in September. A higher monthly rate was observed in carpentry materials index at 0.4 percent in October from -0.6 percent in September; electrical materials and painting materials and related compounds indices, 0.5 percent from their corresponding last month’s rates of 0.4 percent and -0.1 percent; and plumbing materials index, 0.2 percent growth from -0.2 percent. The tinsmithry materials index retained its September rate of 0.1 percent. The rest of the commodity groups however, posted negative rates during the month in review.

Price increments were registered in selected construction items such as plywood, lawanit, common wire nails, electrical wires and wiring devices, paints and plumbing materials. On the other hand, downward price adjustments were seen in gravel, sand and steel bars.