Rice prices have dipped slightly following recent harvests, but traders and consumers say the relief may be short-lived.

Prices in Mangaldan Public Market dropped by about P2 to P3 per kilo.

“Bumaba nga pero maliit lang ang ibinaba,” Nancy De Vera, a vendor, said.

Traders said the lower prices may last only for a few weeks, prompting some to buy and store commercial rice while prices are down.

However, supply remains limited. Deliveries from suppliers across Luzon are restricted, while imported rice is also arriving in smaller volumes.

“Hindi ka makakuha ng marami. Minsan ‘yung mga may licenses lang ang binibigyan, pero may limitasyon lang, hindi kagaya dati na open,” Leticia Bautista, another vendor, said.

Despite the slight drop, consumers said rice remains expensive, forcing families to cut back.

“Higpit-sinturon talaga kami ngayon. Dati dalawang cup ang niluluto namin, ngayon one and a half na lang kasi kung hindi kami magtipid, walang mangyayari,” Jun Romero, a shopper, said.

The Municipal Agriculture Office assured the public that supply in the town remains stable, citing strong palay production in the recent cropping season.

“Kumpara doon sa nakaraang cropping season, mas doble — or halos doble — ang production natin. Mas nadagdagan ang yield natin,” Manuel Aquino, rice coordinator of the Mangaldan Municipal Agriculture Office, said.

As of April 9, 2026, rice prices in Pangasinan range from P50 to P55 per kilo for both local and imported varieties.