The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking at setting a maximum price for imported rice after recent global tensions pushed up shipping and farm costs.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the proposed cap could be around P50 per kilogram, aimed at keeping retail prices stable while protecting local farmers’ income. Some imported rice is currently selling for P60–65 per kg, which the DA calls unjustified.
The agency is reviewing the legal side of imposing a price ceiling and, if approved, will recommend it to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Tiu Laurel added that a similar cap on locally grown rice is unlikely now to avoid hurting farmers, but could be considered after harvest.
The recent price surge is linked to the Middle East conflict, which has raised fuel and fertilizer costs. Freight for imported rice has nearly doubled, bringing landed costs close to $500 per metric ton.
To help stabilize prices, state-run firms like Food Terminal Inc. and Planters Products Inc. are selling rice at P45–48 per kg, mainly in Metro Manila, with plans to expand to other major cities.
Current market prices in the National Capital Region are:
• Local well-milled rice: P45/kg
• Local regular-milled rice: P40/kg
• Imported well-milled rice: P48/kg
• Imported regular-milled rice: P41.50/kg
• Special or premium imported rice: P60/kg
• Special local rice: P60/kg
• Premium local rice: P55/kg
The DA says these measures are part of broader efforts to shield consumers from rising food costs caused by international developments.
