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Prices of sugar to go ‘lower’ – DA

August 13, 2022 Cory Martinez 216 views

Poultry, pork to follow

THE increasing demand for low-priced sugar is expected to be alleviated with the early harvest of the products of local sugarcane planters.

Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs and Agriculture Spokesperson Kristine Evangelista disclosed that the local sugarcane planters harvested their produce early and are set to initiate the milling process in the coming weeks of August.

As of Aug. 12, refined sugar was priced at P100 per kilogram in Metro Manila markets. Washed and brown sugar were at P75 and P70 per kilogram, respectively.

Evangelista also said that the DA vowed to enhance its support for local producers to address reports concerning the declining supply and soaring market prices of sugar, onions, and other agricultural commodities in the country.

She added that the DA remains focused on continuously monitoring the prices of agricultural commodities in local markets.

“Ang SRP [suggested retail price] ng asukal and all other commodities for that matter, we always have to review the supply situation. So dahil po mayroon tayong karagdagang supply, then we will look at the cost structure. From then, titingnan po natin with another consultation po with our sugar producers, our traders, and our retailers, and we will let you know if there is a move for the SRP,” she explained.

Evangelista also confirmed that the DA cannot recommend the importation of onions “unless [the DA is] very sure about the supply situation.”

Evangelista also announced that the farmgate prices for both commodities have decreased for poultry and pork.

“With this, we can expect that retail prices will go down, especially as our industry partners – the traders and retailers – gave their commitment on the matter during our consultation meeting,” she said.

As an effect, prevailing retail prices per kilogram as of August 12 were at P330 for pork ham (kasim), P340 for pork liempo, and P180 for whole dressed chicken.

“Whatever way it will help to temper inflation, that we will do so. Basta ang focus po natin will always be with production,” Evangelista added.

She reiterated that the DA will continue to provide various interventions and support to help producers increase their production.

“Tuloy-tuloy lang po ang ating trabaho at ating commitment to protect our producers and our consumers as well,” Evangelista stressed.

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