DA eyes MSRP on garlic

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering imposing a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on garlic to curb potential profiteering, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel said.

However, the measure is currently on hold as the DA prioritizes efforts to stabilize the prices of rice and pork.

Tiu Laurel explained that while discussions on a garlic MSRP had taken place, the department decided to put the proposal on the back burner after market prices dropped significantly. The cost per kilo of garlic recently fell to around P100, down from a peak of P160—almost double the estimated landed cost of P80 per kilo. The Philippines imports approximately 95 percent of its garlic supply.

“Since the price has fallen to around P100 a kilo, we had to hold back. I think the current price is reasonable given their cost of around P80,” Tiu Laurel said. “But if prices spike again, we will definitely implement an MSRP.”

The DA is also keeping a close watch on egg prices to prevent unreasonable increases. Tiu Laurel attributed recent price fluctuations to heightened demand driven by election-related spending and increased chicken mortality due to extreme temperatures.

According to the DA, egg prices currently range from P6 to P8 per piece, though reports indicate prices reaching P10 to P12 in some areas.

“There are some who are suggesting we implement an MSRP on eggs but, as with other goods like rice and pork, we have to consult stakeholders first so as not to shock the industry,” he said.

On March 31, the DA further reduced the MSRP for imported rice to P45 per kilo from P49, reflecting a decline in global rice prices. For pork, the department set an MSRP of P380 per kilo for liempo and P350 per kilo for kasim and pigue. While compliance with these price caps has improved, it remains below ideal levels. – Philippine Star News Service/FPL