Agri prices surge by up to 20%

A comparison of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Bantay Presyo data from May 1, 2024, to September 5, 2025, reveals a significant increase in the prices of essential agricultural products. During this period, the cost of 350ml of palm oil rose by 8.06%, climbing from ₱27-₱35 to ₱27-₱40. Likewise, 350ml of coconut oil saw a 4.48% increase, with prices rising from ₱27-₱40 to ₱30-₱40. The price of corn experienced the most dramatic surge, jumping 23.08% from ₱50-₱80 to ₱60-₱100.

These escalating costs, particularly in vegetable oils, are critically impacting the supply chain. Palm oil, a major import, is a key component in feed production, contributing to the rising prices of pork and poultry. As highlighted in the Philippine Palm Oil Industry Roadmap 2024-2033, the Philippines remains heavily dependent on imports for its vegetable oil needs thus, making the country vulnerable to price fluctuations in global markets. This dependency directly impacts food affordability, especially for lower-income families.

Livestock and poultry producers, who depend heavily on these oils for feed, are now grappling with skyrocketing operational expenses. These increased costs are being passed on to consumers through higher prices for pork, chicken, and other essential food items. Earlier this year, the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines Inc. (PPFP) expressed concern, citing that farm-gate prices have surged as a direct result of rising farm input costs.

The strain on consumers is undeniable. A July survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed that 58% of Filipino families now consider themselves poor, a sharp jump from 46% in March. This is the highest level of perceived poverty since 2008. Meanwhile, a recent Pulse Asia survey confirmed that inflation remains the top concern for Filipinos, further highlighting the mounting financial pressure. “For most Filipino adults (72%), controlling the spiraling prices of basic commodities is the issue that should be immediately addressed by the national administration,” Pulse Asia noted, adding that inflation is the only issue deemed an urgent national concern by the majority of the country’s adult population.

The stakeholders: farmers, hog raises, and poultry farmers are urging the DA to prioritize solutions that will lower the prices of agricultural products, aiming to protect Filipino consumers from the escalating costs of basic commodities.

ADVT. 

This article is brought to you by the Department of Agriculture.