Food prices may rise further as reduced cargo trips by local shippers tighten supply amid higher fuel and logistics costs.
Data from the Philippine Ports Authority showed that domestic cargo volume fell by 3 percent in the first quarter, primarily in food shipments, even as overall port activity slightly increased.
Economists said fuel price hikes are forcing shippers to cut trips, worsening long-standing logistics challenges in an archipelagic country and threatening supply to non-agricultural areas like Metro Manila.
Port officials warned that geopolitical tensions and high fuel costs could further weaken domestic shipping activity in the coming months.
To ease the impact, regulators have allowed higher freight rates and reduced some port fees, but food inflation has already accelerated to 3 percent in March.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 4, 2026
