The proposed importation is to be on a "temporary basis," until prices and supply stabilize, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. told reporters.

"The prices of chicken have been rising the past month," he said. "We're pushing hard for the importation of chicken, even on a temporary basis. We already have a mechanism in place."

Cristobal said pork prices have been stable at 140 pesos a kilogram "but that's still high compared with last year" at 110 pesos a kilogram, he said. "The problem is supply, so we'll also have to import."

According to him, the Department of Trade and Industry had discussed the matter with the Department of Agriculture, explaining that poultry and hog raisers could no longer meet the growing demand with their production.

Poultry raisers have assured the government that they can meet demand but has so far not done so, he said. "They've assured the government that they'll meet the demand with their supply, but prices have now reached 110 pesos a kilo from just 95 pesos a month ago," he added. "We're already getting complaints from wet markets and groceries, mainly about lack of supply and high prices."

Cristobal commented that the Department of Trade and Industry would work closely with the Department of Agriculture on the proposed importation of chicken and pork. This is to ensure that consumers would have enough supply of both at prices lower than current levels.

Other than those of chicken, pork and flour, prices of other commodities have remained stable despite the one-peso increase in fuel product prices that oil companies have made in the past four days, Cristobal revealed.

Source: eFeedLink - 19th May 2004