DA chief Tiu Laurel assures public of stable price, supply of agri products until June-July

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured the public Thursday that prices in the country will remain stable for the time being amid tensions in the Middle East as supplies of agricultural products are expected to last until June or July.  

“I can safely say na hanggang June or even July walang issue sa supply of almost everything,” Tiu Laurel said in an ambush interview when asked if he can assure stable supply and prices.

(I can safely say that up until June or even July, there won’t be an issue of supply in almost everything.)

“In general, prices should remain stable at this time. Of course, may kaunting taas ding nakikita. At least P2 per kilo dahil sa freight, dahil ‘yung transport cost ng lahat ay tumaas din,” he added.

(In general, prices should remain stable at this time. Of course, we are also seeing a slight increase. At least P2 per kilo because of freight, because the transport cost of everything has increased, right.)

According to Tiu Laurel, the country has enough stocks of rice, pork, corn, and sugar, among others. 

He added that it is also planting and harvesting season in the Philippines.

The Department of Trade and Industry previously pledged to maintain current prices in the short term to ease price pressures resulting from fuel price volatility due to the Middle East conflict.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the country is looking for alternative fuel sources amid the continuing increase in petroleum product prices. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News