DA urged to check hike in rice prices

The Department of Trade and Industry has asked the Department of Agriculture (DA) to investigate the reported hike in the prices of rice by up to P2 in Metro Manila.

“We’re asking the DA to validate [reports] because we have been receiving calls of an increase in the price [of rice]. I don’t know if this is triggered by the onset of the lean months,” said Trade Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya.

“It has been years since the price of commercial rice moved, that’s why we have to check if this is an isolated case or whether it’s happening nationwide. It will have to be validated by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics [BAS].”

Based on a report from BAS, the price of regular milled rice ranged from P32 to P34 a kilo as of July 9, up from the P30 a kilo recorded since last year.

Other products that registered price increases were carabao mangos (P80 a kilo as of July 9, from P70 a week ago); native pechay (P50 from P40); and eggplants (P50 from P40).

Prices of other basic commodities either remained stable or slightly went down, Maglaya said.

Refined sugar, she noted, remained stable at a range of P42 to P45 a kilo, while the price of a 180-kg Bear Brand milk fell by P1.50 to P45. The reduction in the price of milk, she explained, was due to a marketing strategy on the part of the manufacturer, Nestlé. This price is expected to be implemented until September this year.

Price drops were also noted for alumahan (P120 from P140 a kilo), carrots (P50 from P60 a kilo), habitchuelas (P40 from P50 a kilo), and tomatoes (P70 from P80 a kilo).

Also, the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) is expected to meet next week to assess the price and supply situation of basic commodities, like rice and sugar as the country enters the so-called lean season (third quarter).

According to BAS data, the country’s rice stock as of June 1 may last 68 days. This is equivalent to about 2.3 million metric tons.  Amy R. Remo