MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has increased the maximum suggested retail price (SRP) of red onions to P150 per kilo from P120, effective Thursday, December 11, citing higher import costs and the continued depreciation of the peso.

The SRP for yellow onions will remain at P120 per kilo, with the DA saying supply remains stable and earlier price calculations show that the current ceiling still allows adequate margins for industry stakeholders.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the adjustment reflects both global and domestic market trends. “The adjustment reflects market dynamics. I have received information from international sources and local importers about increases in the prices of red onion from their origin,” he said, noting that China, Holland and India have all reported higher export prices.

He added that the weaker peso has further pushed up import costs. “The weakness of the peso against the US dollar is also part of the equation,” he said.

With demand expected to climb during the holiday season, Tiu Laurel urged market players to observe the updated SRP. “We are hoping everyone will cooperate to ensure stable prices and supply given the demand during the Christmas season,” he said.

The DA chief also stressed the need to diversify onion sources to reduce reliance on China, which currently supplies most of the Philippines’ imports. “We do not want to be dependent on just one source,” he said, adding that the government is looking for alternative suppliers to strengthen the supply chain.

Tiu Laurel reiterated that all onion importation will stop by January ahead of the local harvest in February, a move intended to prevent imported stocks from depressing farmgate prices and to support domestic growers.

The DA expects that the revised SRP, broader sourcing strategies and tighter import controls will help stabilize onion prices and maintain adequate supply in the coming months.