The Department of Agriculture will start enforcing a price limit on imported red onions on December 1 to curb overpricing in local markets.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said prices have stayed unusually high even if the cost of bringing onions into the country is reasonable. He explained that with an import cost of about ₱60 per kilo, stores should not be selling imported red onions for more than ₱120. Current prices range from ₱200 to ₱300 per kilo.
He said selling onions at those levels is clear profiteering.
The DA will release the official price cap by Monday. The agency will also tighten market monitoring and track supply sources, especially with demand rising during the holidays.
As of November 26, imported red onions were priced at around ₱240 in most markets, while local onions ranged from ₱250 to ₱330 per kilo.
The DA is also studying possible penalties under the Price Act with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry.
Tiu Laurel urged shoppers to avoid overpriced goods and report sellers who take advantage of consumers.
