DA eyes MSRP for pricey garlic, watches egg costs

The Department of Agriculture (DA) expressed concern over the high retail prices of garlic, which reached P160 per kilo in Quezon City but have since dropped to around P100.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the declared landed cost of imported garlic is about P80 per kilogram, with some instances of undervaluation leading to excessive margins.

The DA is considering imposing a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on garlic between P100-110 per kilo but has put this proposal on hold due to current prices within that range.

Laurel emphasized that if garlic prices spike again, the agency will implement an MSRP to control profiteering and maintain reasonable pricing.

The DA is also monitoring egg prices to prevent unreasonable increases due to rising demand and higher chicken mortality rates during warmer temperatures.