Onions are now being poured into public markets by DA, but the retail cost of the bulbs is still high

If you thought that we have a low demand for onions that causes the price to be high, well you are wrong. THE Department of Agriculture has begun to stockpile onions in public markets, but retail prices for the bulbs remain high.

According to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), at least 600 metric tons (MT) of imported onions were permitted to enter local markets after passing the second border inspection.

"At least 600 MT passed the second border inspection, meaning the importers were already authorized to supply these in the markets," Information Section Officer in Charge Jose Diego Roxas said in an interview with The Manila Times.

According to Roxas, at least 1,200 MT of imported bulbs arrived in the country, including 400 MT of white onions and 800 MT of red onions. Importers have until April 27, 2023 to ensure the entry of all 5,000 MT of authorized imported bulbs.

The retail price of onions increased on Wednesday, according to the DA's monitoring. The cheapest was P240 per kilo at Mega Q-Mart in Quezon City.

On Wednesday, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual called a special meeting of the National Price Coordinating Council to discuss ways to mitigate the effects of rising onion prices.

"Given this crucial situation, we are to deliver immediate results to temper the prices of goods and ensure the availability of affordable basic necessities and prime commodities for consumers. We must tap other agencies who can be our allies in this endeavor," Pascual, who chairs the NPCC, said.