Officials warn pork Could hit P500 per kilo amid rising fuel prices

Local

PORK prices in Cebu are holding steady for now, but officials caution that continued increases in fuel costs could push rates higher in the coming months.

Rolando Tambago, vice chairman of the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines Inc., said wet market prices should remain around ₱390 per kilo based on current farmgate rates.

He noted that retail outlets like supermarkets may charge more due to added handling, refrigeration, and display costs.

"If this trend persists, retail prices could easily hit or even exceed P500 per kilo," he said.

Rising costs are being felt throughout the supply chain, from imported feed such as soybean meal and wheat to transporting hogs to slaughterhouses.

Tambago urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to provide subsidies to support farmers coping with higher expenses.

During a recent Senate hearing, DA Assistant Secretary U-Nichols Manalo said the government is running projections to gauge potential effects of global crises on food prices.

In a worst-case scenario involving extended disruptions to Middle East oil supply and crude oil reaching $200 per barrel, pork and chicken could see significant increases.

Kasim and liempo may surpass ₱500 per kilo, chicken could jump to around ₱324, and well-milled rice could climb from ₱45 to as high as ₱67 per kilo.

Despite these concerns, Tambago said supply remains sufficient, with Cebu and Mindanao sending excess pork to other regions and existing cold storage stocks helping stabilize the market.

Manalo added that recent data shows little change in retail prices for most essentials, with some items, including chicken, liempo, and tomatoes, even seeing slight declines.

Authorities say the situation is manageable for now, though they are preparing for possible price fluctuations in the months ahead.(CMM)