Government scrambles to get fertilizer, fuel supplies
The government is scrambling to secure fuel and fertilizer supplies for the sugar industry, as the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East could significantly affect local production.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) are coordinating with other government agencies to ensure stable access to critical farm inputs now, especially during the most resource-intensive phase of the planting season.
“We will work to ensure a stable supply of fuel and fertilizer, as well as other inputs not only for sugar farmers but for all Filipino farmers and fisherfolks,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement on Friday.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said they have sought the DA’s assistance to help address the concerns of sugar farmers to the Department of Energy and other relevant government agencies.
Azcona said both the costs of diesel and fertilizer have substantially increased as the industry is already at peak consumption, with harvesting, hauling, land preparation, planting, cultivation and irrigation happening at the same time.
Azcona said fertilizer prices have surged by about P250 per bag, while fuel prices have climbed by more than P30 per liter.
“What’s worst is there is no security of supply for fuel and fertilizer,” he told the Inquirer in a Viber message on Friday.
More problems
Manuel Lamata, president of the United Sugar Producers Federation, said diesel prices are “super high,” while their suppliers indicated that fertilizer prices could nearly double.
“We will not be able to irrigate our crops, meaning low production next crop year. We have been advised by our dealers that fertilizers have gone up close to double. Spare parts are up,” Lamata told the Inquirer in a Viber message.
Per the SRA, sugar prices have declined by 19.69 percent to P2,271.71 per 50-kilogram bag as of Feb. 22 from P2,828.72 per 50-kg bag last year.
Terence Uygongco, president of the Philippine Sugar Millers Association, welcomed the government’s initiative to secure essential farm inputs despite the global uncertainties, even though they still have sufficient supply.
“Local suppliers still have inventory and deliveries continue, but if the conflict prolongs and shipping disruptions persist, input prices could rise further and localized tightness may emerge, particularly for fertilizer that depends on imported raw materials,” Uygongco said in a message to the Inquirer.
