Rice price cap
THE government will impose a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice, said the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Described by various quarters as “very timely,” the MSRP is aimed at taming the skyrocketing prices of the grain in the domestic market.
The P58 per kilo MSRP for imported rice takes effect on January 20 (Monday) initially in the Metropolitan Manila (MM) area, according to DA.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the decision to impose MSRP was made following extensive consultations with industry players.
Among those consulted were importers, retailers and other concerned government officials.
Every month, the government reviews the maximum suggested retail price to consider fresh factors affecting rice prices.
We share the view of Secretary Laurel that there’s a need to ensure the price of rice is fair and affordable to the people.
“We cannot allow the greed of a few to jeopardize the well-being of an entire nation,” the agriculture secretary assured the public.
And we are made to believe that the government is also out to make sure that the nation’s rice industry remains profitable.
