Manila: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has called on consumers to refrain from purchasing imported rice priced above PHP43 per kilogram. This warning comes in light of concerns that some retailers may be exploiting the imminent 60-day import suspension starting September 1.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PHP43 per kilogram cap is the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) set for 5 percent broken imported rice. Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized in an interview that consumers should neither accept nor purchase imported rice exceeding this price limit. He also encouraged consumers to report retailers who are selling rice at inflated prices.

The Agriculture Secretary highlighted that those responsible for the rise in imported rice prices are "taking advantage" of the upcoming import ban, despite the stable rice inventory. As of August 14, the Bureau of Plant Industry has recorded over 2.67 million metric tons of rice imports.

Secretary Tiu Laurel explained, based on their calculations, that high-quality imported rice should not exceed PHP43 to PHP43.50 per kilogram. The Department of Agriculture's Bantay Presyo monitoring indicates that premium imported rice in Metro Manila is currently priced between PHP41 and PHP50 per kilogram, while local premium rice ranges from PHP41 to PHP60 per kilogram.

The Department of Agriculture has assured the public that it will continue to monitor retail markets nationwide to ensure rice prices remain "reasonable and fair" during the import suspension period.