The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said it is looking into a “strategic importation” of carrots alongside the possible imposition of a price cap for carrots, pork liempo (belly), and palm-based cooking oil.

This comes amid the elevated prices of the said commodities in local markets while the country is in an energy emergency.

In a WhatsApp message, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the strategic importation of carrots is prompted by tight supply.

“We will be importing carrots strategically in areas na (that’s) short,” he told the Philippine News Agency.

He said entry will only be allowed in “strategic locations” including Metro Manila and Cebu.

In terms of timeline, Tiu Laurel said the DA will allow imports until July to cover the current supply gap in local markets.

“Actually, last month nag-import na kami ng kaunting (we have already imported a small volume of) carrots to calibrate the market, pero hindi parin bumaba (but the price did not go down),” he said, referring to the 1,000 tons of carrots imported in April.

“(By) May, 2500 tons. June, mga ganoon din (the same volume), and July maybe a little less,” Tiu Laurel added.

As of Monday, the prices of carrots range from PHP80 to PHP190 per kilo in Metro Manila, according to the DA Bantay Presyo (price watch).

This is slightly higher than the PHP70 to PHP150 per kilo on Feb. 26, or prior to the onset of tensions in the Middle East.

Price cap

The DA is also studying the possible price cap on carrots, pork liempo, and palm-based cooking oil.

“The pork liempo, local, I think it’s over, it should have been only at PHP380 per kilogram, not PHP420,” Tiu Laurel said.

The price of pork liempo ranges from PHP330 to PHP480 per kilo, with PHP420 per kilo as its prevailing price in Metro Manila.

For palm-based cooking oil, a 350-milliliter (ml) bottle ranges from PHP34 to PHP40, and PHP75 to PHP115 per liter.

Tiu Laurel, meanwhile, said the price cap on imported rice will be released “soon.”

Local rice retailers may also be advised on the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for well-milled rice.

“May SRP kami sa local rice (There is a SRP on local rice) at PHP52 to PHP53 per kilo, depending on area,” he told the PNA.

Premium imported rice in Metro Manila sells at PHP55 to PHP63 per kilo, while imported well-milled rice is at PHP48 per kilo, and imported regular-milled rice at PHP42 to PHP43 per kilo, according to the DA Bantay Presyo.

Local premium rice is at PHP50 to PHP62 per kilo; PHP45 to PHP57 per kilo for local well-milled rice; and PHP35 to PHP55 for regular milled rice. (PNA)