Manila, Sept. 9 -- Inflation in the Bicol Region slightly accelerated to 7.7 percent in August from 7.4 percent in July, driven mainly by higher prices of food, transport and housing-related commodities, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Wednesday.

Ray Merjilla, chief statistical specialist at PSA Bicol, said food and non-alcoholic beverages posted a 5.9 percent inflation rate, with cereals and cereal products up 21.5 percent.

"Transport registered a 14.3 percent inflation rate, mainly due to higher gasoline at 41.1 percent and diesel at 56.6 percent," he said during a press briefing here.

Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels also contributed to the acceleration, posting 12.7 percent inflation, with liquefied ...