The Department of Agriculture (DA) is closely monitoring movements in rice prices following recent global disruptions, while assuring that the supply of meat and vegetables remains sufficient.

During an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos program on Friday, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa explained that increases in the prices of rice, vegetables, and meat are partly driven by rising transport and logistic costs, compounded by higher fuel prices in the country.

“Tinitingnan nito ng DA ngayon almost every week kung ano yung nagiging galawan talaga sa presyuhan,” De Mesa said.

When asked about the impact of imported rice shipments that arrived after the lifting of the import ban in late February, De Mesa shared that January and February saw approximately 330,000 to 370,000 metric tons of imported rice.

“Yung January, kung di ako nakakamali, nasa mga 370,000 metric tons. Yung February, nasa mga 330,000 metric tons. So I have to get yung as of date ng mga pumasok na import. Yan yung mga pumasok na imported na bigas.”

He noted that these shipments initially had lower landed costs, meaning their prices should have been relatively affordable before external factors like the Middle East conflict drove market prices up.

“Nung pumutok talaga yung giyera, yun yung talagang nagsabi na doon din sumipa nang may nakita tayo sa palengke ng mga nag-60 pesos, yung iba meron pa hanggang 63,” De Mesa said.

“Nag-suggest na si Secretary Kiko (Francis Pangilinan) na dapat magkaroon ng price cap, coming nga doon sa mga pumasok na mura at noong time na iyon hindi pa dapat ganun kamahal," he added.

De Mesa further emphasized that while rice prices are being closely monitored, other agricultural commodities remain stable.

“Yung ating mga cold storages para sa karneng baboy, manok at baka. Marami tayong supply so hindi tayo nangangamba dyan. Sa gulay, harvest season tayo rin ngayon, taginit. So wala pa tayong nakikita ng problema at nangangailangan ng price.”

He also acknowledged that transportation costs may lead to minor price adjustments.

“Madali naman i-compute yung from point A to point B, makaano yung nagastos nila, ilang tonelada yung kargado nila. Reasonable yung mga 3 piso kada kilo nagkakaroon ng increase because of additional transport cost.”

The DA continues to track price movements weekly to ensure fair pricing while maintaining market stability.