THE prices of commercial rice might increase by P2 a kilo as a result of rising fuel prices, the National Food Authority warned Tuesday.
“When the present harvest is almost over by July, the price of local commercial rice may increase by as much as P2 per kilo despite projections of a good harvest,” administrator Angelito Banayo said.
“The continuing increase in the price of fuel will take its toll on farm products, especially rice.”
The oil companies on Tuesday raised diesel prices by P1.50 a liter, gasoline by P1.50, regular gas by P1.25, and kerosene by P1.40.
Diesel prices have risen by P8 a liter since the start of the year, and gasoline prices by more than P6.
“I think the buying public will understand that every time fuel prices increase, there is a domino effect,” Banayo said.
“Already, transport costs are up. Commodities are next.”
But Banayo assured the public that the price of government-subsidized rice will remain at P27 a kilo.
National Food raised the retail price of government-subsidized rice to P27 a kilo from P25 on Dec. 7 last year, and the wholesale price of rice to P25 a kilo from P23.50.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the country would not need to increase rice imports beyond the 860,000 metric tons planned for this year.
Rough-rice production in the first half might beat the target of 7.6 million tons, while the full-year output might be more than the goal of 17.46 million tons, Alcala told reporters.
Philippine purchases from overseas can influence prices in Thailand, the world’s largest shipper, and in Chicago.
On Monday, Banayo said the country might need to import an extra 300,000 tons to ensure enough supplies in case of typhoons.
“We’re expecting a very good harvest,” Alcala said. The nation’s first-half production target is a 15-percent improvement from the same period a year earlier.
The Philippines, previously the world’s biggest rice importer, plans to more than halve purchases from about 2.5 million tons in 2010. –Othel V. Campos with Alena Mae Flores, Rey T. Salita and Bloomberg
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
“Safety and health at work every day!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
March – Women’s Role in History Month
April – Month of Planet Earth
Weekly Observances:
Last Week of March: Protection and Gender Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week
Last Week of April – World Immunization Week
Daily Observances:
Mar 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transallantic Slave Trade
Mar 27– Earth Hour
Apr 21 – Civil Service Day
Apr 22 – World Earth Day
Apr 28 – World Day for Safety and Health at Work
