The Philippines' Department of Agriculture plans to implement maximum suggested retail prices for onions and imported carrots by December 1 or earlier. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the measure aims to stabilise retail pricing ahead of the holiday period.
The Department plans to set the ceiling for onions at P120 (US$2.16) per kilo for both red and white types, regardless of origin. Tiu Laurel said, "I've been hearing that there are red onions that are priced at P300 [per kilo] (US$5.40), there's P160 (US$2.88), and there's P180 (US$3.24). That's too much." He added, "There are those who sell red onions, and make it appear that those were locally produced, that is not true, retailers are deceiving you, those are imported."
Tiu Laurel said wholesale costs for onions entering the market were around P60 (US$1.08) per kilo and noted examples of retail pricing at P300 (US$5.40), P280 (US$5.04), and P200 (US$3.60). He said that while "only 10 to 15 percent have that issue," the Department viewed the ceiling as a preventive measure. The proposed P120 (US$2.16) price level was reached after consultations with industry groups.
A P120 (US$2.16) per kilo ceiling is also being prepared for imported carrots. The Department approved carrot imports last month after reporting a short supply. Tiu Laurel noted that recent storms contributed to price increases for both carrots and onions, but said these prices should already have eased, prompting the move toward temporary pricing controls.
Retailers who do not comply with the maximum suggested retail prices will receive show-cause orders. Consumers may file complaints through the #BantayPresyo platform and other government channels. Tiu Laurel said importers could also face suspension of import privileges if they are found to be taking part in pricing practices viewed as excessive. "We allow imports because we lack a supply of these products. But there is a responsibility in exchange for that privilege, and that is for them to sell at the market at the right price to protect our consumers," he said.
The Department intends to monitor compliance through holiday demand peaks, with further adjustments possible depending on supply conditions and the pace of retail price normalisation in key markets.
Source: The Manila Times
