The Department of Agriculture warned prices of eggs may increase by 10 to 20 percent as the school opening nears.
According to the DA-Bantay Presyo (price watch), the price range of medium eggs in Metro Manila is set from P5.50 to P9.
“The start of the ‘ber’ months normally triggers the season of high egg demand, and just like what I said before, also during the opening of classes,” DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said.
For the school year 2024-2025, the Department of Education set the opening of classes on July 29.
Philippine Egg Board Association president Francis Uyehara, however, said price spikes have already started in some areas, considering the effects of “third quarter syndrome” – or the disease outbreak period – in which layers are affected by mortality and decreased production.
“A price increase has already started last month, and it might continue until the holiday season toward December,” he said.
As this developed, the DA also warned unscrupulous traders who may be behind a possible price manipulation in a public market in Metro Manila.
This came after the price per kilogram of chicken surged to P250 in Muñoz market, higher than the P200 to P210 prevailing retail price range.
“Someone is taking advantage, that is why we are monitoring it and we already asked the) Muñoz market why they are selling at P250,” De Mesa said.
“What the Secretary said is that the target here is not only the sellers per se, especially those on the receiving end.
We need to look at it from all the sources, maybe someone is taking advantage from the source, from the traders,” he added.
He warned violators that under Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, price manipulators may be liable for profiteering.
