P50 price cap on imported rice

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has welcomed the decision to impose a ₱50-per-kilo price ceiling on imported rice, describing it as a timely move to shield consumers from the ripple effects of rising fuel costs.

The cap, covering 5% broken imported rice, was approved by the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) and is set for implementation once an executive order is issued.

DA spokesperson Arnel De Mesa said the agency is now preparing for rollout under the current state of energy emergency.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa National Price Coordinating Council sa mabilis po nilang pagkilos base sa rekomendasyon ng Department of Agriculture (We thank the NPCC for their swift response to the recommendations of the DA),” he said.

He added that authorities are awaiting the formal directive that will activate the policy and outline penalties for non-compliance.

“Inaantabayanan na po namin ‘yung magiging kautusan para po mailabas ‘yung Executive Order na magbibigay bisa po para ma-implement ‘yung price cap (We are awaiting the order, for the Executive Order to be issued for the implementation of the price cap),” De Mesa said.

Despite global oil price pressures, the DA maintains that the ₱50 ceiling remains feasible based on current landed and transport costs, although adjustments may be considered if fuel prices continue to rise.

Latest monitoring shows imported premium rice in Metro Manila retailing between ₱55 and ₱63 per kilo, while well-milled imports range from ₱45 to ₱50 and regular-milled varieties from ₱42 to ₱45.

Locally produced premium rice, meanwhile, is priced at ₱48 to ₱61 per kilo, with well-milled and regular-milled varieties averaging ₱45 and ₱40, respectively.