Headline
DA set to impose P50/kg. price cap on imported rice
By Stephanie Sevillano, Philippine News Agency
PRICE CAP. Customers choose from a variety of rice at a stall in Paco Public Market in Manila on March 17, 2026. The Department of Agriculture on Thursday (March 26) said it is preparing to impose a PHP50 per kg. price cap on imported rice amid rising fuel costs. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday commended the adoption of a PHP50 per kg. price cap on imported rice amid the impact of rising fuel costs in the country.
This came after the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) approved the adoption of a price ceiling on 5 percent broken imported rice in local markets.
During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon (BPN) briefing, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said they are now preparing for its implementation under the country’s state of energy emergency.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa National Price Coordinating Council sa mabilis po nilang pagkilos base sa rekomendasyon ng Department of Agriculture (We thank the NPCC for their swift response to the recommendations of the DA),” he said.
He said they are just awaiting the official order to impose the price ceiling.
“Inaantabayanan na po namin ‘yung magiging kautusan para po mailabas ‘yung Executive Order na magbibigay bisa po para ma-implement ‘yung price cap (We are awaiting the order, for the Executive Order to be issued for the implementation of the price cap),” De Mesa said, adding that the order also includes possible charges or actions for non-compliance.
Despite the global oil shocks, he assured that the recommended ceiling is “feasible,” considering the landed and transport costs.
The government, however, may apply adjustments should the conflict and oil price hikes persist.
As of Wednesday, the premium imported rice in Metro Manila sells from PHP55 per kg. to PHP63 per kg., according to the DA Bantay Presyo (Price Watch).
The price per kilogram of imported well-milled rice, meanwhile, ranges from PHP45 to PHP50; and imported regular-milled rice, from PHP42 to PHP45.
Local premium rice is at PHP48 per kg. to PHP61 per kg., while the prevailing prices for well-milled rice and regular milled rice are PHP45 per kg. and PHP40 per kg., respectively.
