Harvest season keeping WV food prices stable — for now

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Prices and supply of agrifishery products in Western Visayas remain generally stable despite the recent increase in petroleum prices, according to the Department of Agriculture in the region.

Based on the latest market monitoring across Western Visayas, the DA said retailers and wholesalers continue to maintain sufficient inventories, preventing immediate price adjustments.

Ma. Teresa Solis, regional technical director for operations and extension of DA Western Visayas, said current stocks in public markets are helping cushion the impact of higher fuel costs.

However, Solis said price increases may occur once suppliers begin adjusting their rates, particularly those transporting products from outside the region.

“When suppliers increase their prices, it will automatically affect the prices in public markets because retailers need to recover their capital and the expenses they incur in selling their products,” Solis said in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas Iloilo on March 13.

Vegetables sourced from highland areas such as Baguio and parts of Mindanao are among the commodities expected to be affected by rising transport costs.

These include commonly traded highland vegetables such as cabbage, carrots and potatoes.

Despite this, Solis said rice prices are expected to remain stable for now because the region is in its harvest season and local supply remains sufficient.

She also noted that agrifishery products are highly perishable, which discourages retailers from imposing excessive price increases that could leave goods unsold and spoiled.

To help households manage expenses, Solis encouraged the public to practice frugality and consider growing vegetables at home when possible.

“If possible, plant vegetables even in small spaces so you won’t need to buy them every day,” she said.

She added that consumers should also cook only what they can consume to avoid food waste.

Meanwhile, the DA is still finalizing guidelines for a possible fuel subsidy for affected sectors.

Solis also called on suppliers and traders to avoid hoarding and to prioritize cooperation during the ongoing international crisis affecting fuel prices.

“We hope suppliers and retailers will not focus only on business interests but will instead help ensure that prices remain fair for everyone,” she said.

The DA continues to monitor markets across the region to ensure adequate supply and stable prices of basic agrifishery commodities.