DA to Investigate High Pork Prices, May Set Maximum Suggested Retail Price

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering implementing a Maximum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for pork, similar to the price cap recently set for rice, amid concerns over rising market prices.

According to DA spokesperson Arnel De Mesa, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the retail price of pork is nearly double the farmgate price.

“The farmgate price of pork is around P200 to P220 per kilo. Normally, the markup should only be P100 to P120, meaning the retail price should be at most P350 per kilo. However, we are seeing prices reach P400 to P450 per kilo, which suggests excessive profiteering,” De Mesa explained.

He likened the situation to the rice market, where retail prices were significantly higher than production costs, prompting the DA to set an MSRP of P58 per kilo for premium imported rice earlier this month.

The DA is currently studying whether a pork MSRP would be an effective solution. Despite the high prices, De Mesa assured that there is sufficient pork supply in the country.