Prices of prime commodities seen to hike

CEBU, Philippines -  The Department of Agriculture-7 is notifying the public that prices for primary commodities, particularly spices, are expected to increase at the end of October until December due to the onset of the holiday season.

A possible increase of P5 to P10 will be expected on condiments, said Gerry Avila, Agriculture Marketing and Agribusiness Division  chief of the DA.

At present, there is no significant price movement yet in the markets of Cebu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City.

“… Sa holiday season posibleng musaka og gamay kay duna may importation due to the demand nga taas,” Avila told The FREEMAN, particularly referring to the demand of chicken in the said cities.

Avila admitted that it is hard for them to identify stalls or stores in the market that are overpricing because agriculture products do not have suggested retail prices (SRP).

But he said that they continue to coordinate with their national office on the concern.

“Di pud hinuon na sila kapatuyang ug pataas kay these (spices) are perishable products unya kung dili mahalin, maglisod na sila kay mangalata man pareha sa garlic,” Avila said.

Meanwhile, the prices for wet goods are expected to stabilize after December.  (FREEMAN)