Chicken prices in the Philippines may surge to as high as P300 per kilo, while rice prices could jump by up to 49 percent, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). Rising global oil costs and supply chain disruptions are driving the potential increases, sparking concerns about food affordability for millions of Filipino households.

The DA’s latest monitoring reports show that retail chicken prices have already been climbing steadily, with projections indicating they could breach the P300/kg mark if fuel costs continue to rise. Officials explained that higher oil prices directly affect transport and production costs, which are then passed on to consumers.

In addition to poultry, rice — the country’s staple food — is also under pressure. Market data suggests retail rice prices currently range between P35 and P53 per kilo, but analysts warn that a nearly 49 percent increase is possible if global supply constraints worsen. This would push rice prices closer to P80/kg, a level that could severely impact household budgets.

Agriculture officials have acknowledged the risks, with GMA Integrated News reporting that the DA is preparing contingency measures to stabilize supply. “Posible na rin tumaas ang presyo ng bigas at manok dahil sa mahal na langis,” the agency said, stressing that oil price hikes remain the biggest driver of food inflation.

The looming price hikes come at a time when Filipino consumers are already grappling with elevated costs of basic goods. Economists warn that if chicken and rice prices spike simultaneously, inflation could accelerate further, putting pressure on wages and household spending.

Government intervention is expected to focus on import adjustments, subsidies for local producers, and stricter monitoring of retail prices. However, consumer groups argue that stronger measures are needed to protect vulnerable families, especially those earning minimum wage.

For now, the DA continues to track daily price movements and has urged the public to remain vigilant. The agency’s official portal provides updated weekly and daily retail price indices for chicken, rice, and other commodities, offering transparency on market trends.

The situation underscores the fragile balance between global energy markets and local food security. If oil prices remain high, Filipino households may soon face one of the steepest increases in staple food costs in recent years.