Onions are more expensive than meat in the Philippines. This is why

In the Philippines, a pound of red onions currently costs more than a pound of meat. This is a concern as the vegetable is a common ingredient in Filipino food. Food prices worldwide are under pressure due to global inflation, due to a myriad of causes, including the Russia-Ukraine war, supply chain issues and extreme climate change, according to a report in Time magazine.

Red and white onions sold for as much as 600 pesos (Rs 887) per kilo, according to the Agriculture Department’s analysis of market prices in Manila as of Jan. 9. The magazine stated that according to market monitoring figures, the price is nearly three times more expensive than chicken and 25-50 percent more expensive than pork or beef. A kilogram of onions costs more than the Philippine minimum wage for a full day’s work.

National statistician Dennis Mapa said in a briefing on Jan. 5 that consumer price increases in the Philippines reached a record high of 8.1 percent in December, with onions accounting for 0.3 percent of the increase.

To supplement declining domestic supply and halt price increases, the Philippines’ agricultural authorities announced that the country would need to import more than 22,000 tons of onions by March. According to Time magazine, the country’s average monthly demand for the vegetable is about 17,000 tons.

It is noted that on Dec. 30, President of the Philippines Bongbong Marcos ordered the Commerce Department to set a “recommended price” for onions of 250 pesos (Rs 369) per kilo. Despite the price ceiling, onions remain expensive. The outlet also stated that Philippine customs officials seized illegal red onions from China worth an estimated $362,000 (Rs 2.9 crore) hidden in boxes of bread and pastries, and smuggled white onions worth $309,000 (Rs 2 .5 crore), hidden in packages supposedly containing clothing.