The Philippines’ stock of milled rice rose after three straight months of decline, reaching 2.54 million tons as of April 1, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The national reserve is good for 75 days of consumption, up from 67 days a month before.
However, data from the PSA showed that the National Food Authority’s inventory fell after climbing continually in the previous months, settling at 490,000 tons from 550,000 tons.
In April, the NFA’s reserve was 93 percent imported—down from the 96 percent reported in March as the agency renewed its procurement of locally grown palay amid falling prices.
As of April 1, the NFA’s stock was good for 14 days’ consumption, lower than the minimum mandated volume of 15 days’ worth of supply.
Supplies stored in commercial warehouses rose by 60,000 tons to 800,000 tons, equivalent to 24 days of nationwide consumption. Also, household stocks surged by 290,000 tons to reach 1.26 million tons, enough to last for 37 days.