Small supermarkets struggling to keep up with the lower prices of sugar offered in big supermarkets will have to wait before getting help from the government amid the sugar problem in the country.

Malacañang said on Wednesday, Aug. 24, they will only offer help to small supermarkets if prices of sugar will not go back to normal even after big supermarkets only committed to lower the prices in a certain period of time or until their supply runs out.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles explained in a press briefing that major supermarkets in the country committed to lower the prices of sugar in a "limited period" only or until their supply is all sold.

"So after that period babalik na tayo kung ano yung dikta ng market prices natin, ng market natin (we will go back to the prices dictated by the market)," Angeles said.

"If panandalian (it's temporary), then we might not need to respond kasi makakabenta sila (because they will be able to sell) when the period expires," she added.

But if the sugar problem persists and the small supermarkets will continue to be badly affected, the government will be compelled to offer assistance to them, the Palace official said.

"Pero kung ma extend ito, or masyadong dire yung magiging effect sa kanila then magreresponde ang ating gobyerno. Asahan n'yo po (But if this will be extended, or they will be heavily affected then the government will respond. You can expect that)," Angeles said.

Last week, major supermarkets in the country committed to selling sugar at P70 per kilo, from a high of P90-P110 per kilo.

Robinsons Supermarket agreed to sell one million kilos at the lower price, SM Supermarket also committed to sell their sugar inventory, while Puregold likewise committed to make available two million kilos of refined sugar at the suggested retail price.