Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said that the edible bulbs of onions are overpriced, which made the department explore the possibility of imposing a suggested retail price (SRP) for onions.

According to Evangelista, the price for onions should be P150 per kilo.

Local red and white onions were being sold at P150 to P200 per kilo in Metro Manila markets, based on DA’s price monitoring as of Monday, while imported red and white onions are not yet available.

Local red onions were selling for P80 per kilo at the same time last year, while imported red onions were selling for P70 per kilo. Local white onions, on the other hand, were priced at P75 per kilo, and imported white onions were priced at P80 per kilo.

The likelihood of hoarding is one of the variables considered before choosing whether or not to apply an SRP.

Evangelista, said that the harvest season has already reached its peak, and the majority of farmers have sold their produce.