Sari-sari stores recorded a 90-percent surge in sales in March as rising global oil prices triggered widespread stockpiling among micro-retailers and households, according to homegrown tech startup Packworks.

In a statement on Thursday, April 23, Packworks said that based on over one million transactions via its Sari.PH Pro app, gross merchandise value (GMV) across its network of 300,000 stores reached ₱3.73 billion in March, up from ₱1.97 billion in February.

The sharpest spike occurred on March 21, when GMV surged by 265 percent following announcements of double-digit fuel price hikes last March 17, prompting store owners to preemptively stock up ahead of expected increases in logistics and retail costs.

Packworks quoted a sari-sari store owner from Uson town in Masbate province as saying: “Nag-stock up kami dahil natatakot kaming maubusan ng paninda at magkaroon ng delay sa delivery mula sa mga supplier.”

Packworks noted that in some areas, delivery lead times have stretched to three weeks, pushing retailers to shift toward bulk purchasing of fast-moving goods.

Average basket sizes rose significantly, expanding from ₱337 to ₱1,097 in February to ₱597 to ₱1,560 in March, while transaction volumes increased by only 17 percent, indicating fewer but larger purchases per visit.

“With growing uncertainty and rising oil and commodity prices, our data suggests that sari-sari store owners are proactively adjusting their purchasing strategies. Larger basket sizes and increased inventory levels indicate a shift toward preparedness for potential supply disruptions and rising costs,” said Packworks chief data officer Andoy Montiel.

Regionally, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) posted the highest increase in basket size at 101.7 percent (₱773 to ₱1,560), followed by National Capital Region (NCR) at 85 percent (₱396 to ₱733), and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at 80.2 percent (₱495 to ₱892).

Top-selling categories included cigarettes, detergent, gin, powdered coffee, and chips and dips. Cigarettes led with an increase of around ₱234 million, followed by detergent at ₱116 million, gin at ₱66 million, powdered coffee at about ₱55 million, and chips and dips at ₱45 million. Other essentials such as soda, biscuits, powdered milk, and canned goods also posted gains.

“As the backbone of local communities, sari-sari stores continue to demonstrate resilience in times of disruption. However, they remain highly vulnerable to price fluctuations and logistical challenges, highlighting the need for continued support,” said Packworks chief platform officer Hubert Yap.