DA MOVES TO REGULATE ONION AND GARLIC PRICES WITH SRP LIMITS

The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to implement a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on onions and garlic to help stabilize prices amid global uncertainties caused by the Middle East conflict.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. explained that rising oil prices are increasing costs in the agriculture sector, but assured the public that food supply remains stable and only moderate price increases are expected.

The DA proposed an MSRP of around ₱100 per kilo for imported garlic and ₱100 to ₱120 per kilo for onions, with stricter measures possible if retailers ignore the price caps.

Meanwhile, the DA is addressing a food safety concern after red onions from Manila’s Paco Public Market tested positive for E. coli, likely linked to smuggled, uninspected imports, prompting confiscation and investigation.

The agency is also delaying a planned price cut on imported rice due to market uncertainties and is preparing a fuel subsidy for farmers if crude oil prices reach $80 per barrel.