MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has recommended a 60-day extension of the ₱50 per kilogram price ceiling on 5-percent broken imported rice as part of the government's continuing effort to keep rice affordable and protect Filipino consumers from unwarranted price increases during the lean harvest season.

The proposal was submitted to the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) following the expiration of the nationwide month-long price cap on June 13. Once approved by the Office of the President, the extended price ceiling will remain in effect across retail markets nationwide for another two months.

According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the extension is necessary because the country is currently experiencing the lean months for palay (unhusked rice) production, a period when local harvests are limited and market prices become more vulnerable to speculation.

The agriculture chief noted that after the temporary lifting of the price cap, some retailers immediately increased prices, prompting concerns over excessive profiteering. He stressed that extending the price control measure would help preserve fair pricing and protect consumers from unnecessary market fluctuations.

The DA also expects the extension to contribute to a continued decline in rice inflation, citing data that showed average retail prices dropping from around ₱51–₱52 per kilogram to approximately ₱47–₱48 per kilogram during the implementation of the price cap.

Beyond consumer protection, the department sees encouraging developments in global agricultural markets that could benefit local farmers. International fertilizer prices have continued to decline, while fuel costs have also eased, factors expected to reduce production expenses during the current planting season.

Secretary Tiu Laurel said fertilizer prices are projected to return to pre-war levels by August, with urea estimated to cost ₱1,600 to ₱1,700 per bag, significantly lower than current domestic prices of about ₱2,600 per 50-kilogram bag and well below the peak prices recorded during heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Lower production costs are expected to encourage Filipino rice farmers to increase planting activities while helping stabilize rice prices during the second half of the year.

The Department of Agriculture also anticipates that Filipino consumers will experience further reductions in retail rice prices once the main harvest season begins in September, increasing local supply and easing market pressure.

Based on the latest DA Bantay Presyo (Price Watch) monitoring, premium imported rice in Metro Manila currently sells between ₱48 and ₱62 per kilogram, while imported well-milled rice ranges from ₱45 to ₱52 per kilogram. Imported regular-milled rice is priced between ₱48 and ₱51 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, locally produced premium rice is being sold at ₱49 to ₱60 per kilogram, while local well-milled rice averages around ₱50 per kilogram, and regular-milled rice remains at approximately ₱45 per kilogram.

The DA remains optimistic that the combined effects of government intervention, lower production costs, and the upcoming harvest season will help ensure a stable rice supply, moderate market prices, and strengthen the country's food security in the months ahead.

Source: Philippine News Agency (PNA) / Department of Agriculture

NPO NEWS TEAM | PNA-PR