Rice, beef prices climb; tomatoes ease in February

Retail prices of basic food items posted mixed movements in the second half of February 2026, with rice and meat prices rising while some fish and vegetable costs eased, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Data covering 15 to 17 February showed that well-milled rice averaged P53.54 per kilogram, higher than P52.62 in early February and P50.97 in mid-January. Despite the uptick, rice prices remained slightly lower compared with the same period last year.

Fresh beef with bones continued its upward trend, reaching P375 per kilogram from P371.27 in early February and P371.86 in mid-January. The current level also exceeded prices recorded in February 2025.

In contrast, galunggong, or mackerel scad, averaged P246.38 per kilogram, down from P253.77 earlier in February and P251.35 in mid-January. However, it remained higher than last year’s P231.24 average.

Vegetable prices showed relief. Tomatoes fell to P95.74 per kilogram from P104.78 in early February and P131.24 in January, though still slightly above the same period in 2025. Red onions also declined to P177.33 per kilogram from P184.01 earlier in the month.

Meanwhile, banana latundan and cooking oil posted modest increases. Latundan bananas averaged P57.90 per kilogram. Cooking oil rose to P191.83 per liter, slightly higher than early February levels but lower than January 2026 prices.

The PSA said the fluctuations reflect shifting supply conditions and seasonal factors affecting food markets.