The increases in the prices of fuel have forced some rice retailers in Iloilo City to raise the prices of rice.

At the Jaro Small Market, for example, the prices of rice have gone up by P2 to P3 per kilo.

Vendors said millers have additional P50 for every half a kilo of rice they deliver.

“Once magpadagdag ng presyo, magtataas rin kami kasi mahal nga ang produktong petrolyo,” said Marvie Lapastora, a rice vendor.

As of March 18, 2026, a kilo of rice in Iloilo City can be bought at P47 to P53. Meanwhile, imported rice can be bought at P51 to P61.

“Paano kami makakabawi kung hindi kami pagpapatas ng presyo? Ang hina ng kita,” said Evelyn Janas, another vendor.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 6 said there will be no more price hike this week but consumers can expect an additional P2 to P3 in the price of rice in the fourth week of March.

“Sana hindi masyadong taasan ng wholesaler at retailer kasi dapat magtulungan sa panahon ng crisis,” said Ma. Teresa Solis, Regional Technical Director for Operations of DA-6.

An increase in the price of basic commodities like rice becomes a burden to families who barely make ends meet.

The Dela Cruz family in Barangay Tacas in Jaro who has 10 members consumes half a sack of rice every week. Once the price of rice increases, they would have to allocate P75 more to their budget for food.

To manage their situation, they distribute rice sparingly to the children during meals.

“Kapag naglagay na kanin sa mga bata, kaunti lang muna. Kung gusto nilang dumagdag, bibigyan na sila,” said Siegfred dela Cruz.