COUNTRIES that have restricted their rice exports to ensure domestic supply have contributed to the current increase in rice prices, according to an official from the Department of Agriculture - Davao Region (DA-Davao).
Celso Vergara, the DA-Davao media relations officer, explained that such actions by certain countries, combined with the usual price hike during the lean months before the harvest season, have impacted rice prices in the Philippines.
Some countries have limited their rice exports to safeguard their local supply due to concerns about inflation and the effects of El Niño on their local production.
"First, naa ta sa lean months before the harvest season. Second, some countries have tightened their rice exports to secure their local supply amidst concerns about inflation and the effects of El Niño affecting their local production (We are in the lean months before the harvest season. Additionally, some countries are tightening their rice exports to ensure their local supply, given concerns about inflation and the impact of El Niño on their local production)," Vergara said via Facebook Messenger on August 17.
He also noted that the recent super typhoon Egay affected major Luzon rice-producing provinces.
Based on the department's price monitoring, imported rice was priced between P45 to P65 per kilogram (kg) as of August 16. In comparison, prices were lower, ranging from P44 to P58/kg on August 2.
Meanwhile, special commercial rice saw a slight increase for local rice, with prices reaching P48 to P62/kg on August 16, compared to P48 to P60/kg on August 9.
During the same period, premium commercial rice was priced at P45 to P56/kg, up from P44 to P55/kg, while well-milled rice was priced at P45 to P56/kg, up from P41 to P49/kg. Milled rice also increased from P38 to P50/kg, up from P37 to P44/kg.
Vergara underscored the importance of increasing local rice production in the face of El Niño threats. He mentioned that distributing free hybrid rice seeds and fertilizer assistance to rice farmers will continue as part of their efforts.
It was reported that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasted "below normal" rainfall for Davao City and Davao del Sur in the current month due to the onset of the "weak" El Niño phenomenon in the country on July 4, 2023.
These areas are expected to receive less than 21 to 60 percent of the normal rainfall volume, based on June 19 data. ICE