The typical selling prices for rice and various farm products decreased during the initial part of April (from April 1st to 5th). However, the costs of pork and cooking oil increased over the same period, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The data indicated that a kilogram (kg) of standard milled rice was priced at P44.92, which is less than the P46.02/kg recorded during the second phase of the previous month (March 15-17). Additionally, this price is below the P46.39/kg observed in the initial phase (March 1-5). Prices for special rice and well-milled rice likewise dropped compared to those in March.
Fresh pork liempo (pork belly) was priced at P387.13 per kilogram nationally during the April phase 1. This represents a rise from the P385.05 per kilogram recorded in March phase 2, as well as from the P384.08 per kilogram noted in March phase 1.
Price hikes were observed in pure beef, pork kasim (shoulder part), and chicken eggs, whereas the costs for beef with bones, pork with bones, and processed chickens went down.
In the first phase of April, Galunggong had an average retail price of PHP 219.64 per kilogram. This figure is below the prices recorded during phases: PHP 237.80 per kilogram in March’s second phase and PHP 235.27 per kilogram in March’s initial phase. Similarly, tilapia saw a reduction in cost, whereas bangus became pricier in the month’s opening phase.
In the first phase of April, carrots were priced at P106.79 per kg, which was less than the P116.96 recorded during the second phase of March and also below the P124.97 per kg from the first part of March. The costs of ampalaya, cabbage, eggplant, Baguio beans, string beans, tomatoes, and white potatoes decreased in this period. However, the price of native pechay went up in April’s initial stage.
In April Phase 1, red onions were priced at P149.80 per kg, which is less expensive compared to the P165.57 per kg during March Phase 2 and the P180.56 per kg during March Phase 1. The prices for native garlic and Hawaiian ginger decreased as well in April Phase 1; however, the cost of imported garlic increased.
In the first part of April, Carabao mangoes were priced at P161.25 per kilogram, which was less than the P169.13 per kilogram during the second phase of March and below the P175.98 per kilogram from the initial stage of March.
The price of cooking oil was P173.99 per liter during the April phase 1, which is more expensive compared to P172.15 per liter in March phase 2 and P171.18 per liter in March phase 1.
Other goods like brown sugar and refined sugar also saw higher prices during the first phase of April.