Palay prices in the Philippines inched up to P15.89 per kilo in October from P15.60 in September, following the government’s rice import ban aimed at boosting farm gate prices, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Despite the increase, prices remain well below last year’s levels, when palay fetched P20.55 per kilo in October 2024 amid tighter global supply caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Regional trends show significant variation. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region recorded the highest average price at P19.62 per kilo, although this was lower than both September and the same month last year. Calabarzon—covering Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon—saw the lowest price at P12.26 per kilo, down from P12.70 in September.
The government, noting reports that palay prices have started to stabilize, has extended the rice import ban through the end of December. Officials are also preparing to implement a tariff adjustment starting January, alongside plans to impose a floor price for palay to support farmers’ incomes.
The import restrictions and policy measures aim to sustain farm gate prices amid fluctuating supply and demand, while ensuring rice remains accessible to consumers nationwide.
