Bizman warns pork prices could go up to P500 per kilo due to rising fuel prices
TAMBAGO
CEBU CITY – Prices of pork in Cebu could increase significantly if fuel costs continue to rise.
Rolando Tambago, vice chairman of the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines Inc., said prices of pork in the province remain stable but that could change in the coming months due to global challenges caused by the continuing conflict in the Middle East.
"If this trend persists, retail prices could easily hit or even exceed P500 per kilo," Tambago told reporters on Friday, March 27.
Despite the series of massive fuel price hikes since the war in the Middle East erupted, Tambago said wet market prices should remain around P390 per kilo based on current farmgate rates.
From importing feed such as soybean meal and wheat to transporting hogs to slaughterhouses, rising costs have been noted in the supply chain.
Tambago said retail outlets may impose additional charges due to added handling, refrigeration, and display costs.
He urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to provide subsidies to support farmers amid higher expenses.
Cebu and Mindanao are sending excess pork to other regions, reflecting steady supply of pork, Tambago said.
Existing cold storage stocks are also helping stabilize the market, Tambago added.