Philippines Faces Long Lines for Subsidized Rice Amid Middle East Conflict Concerns

MANILA, Philippines – Long queues are forming at government distribution sites offering rice at ₱20 per kilogram, as anxieties over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East contribute to increased demand for the staple grain. The government is assuring the public that sufficient rice supplies are available, despite the visible surge in consumers seeking affordable options.

Growing Demand and Extended Hours

National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson reported a significant increase in the number of people lining up for subsidized rice, with some beginning to queue the night before distribution events. “In fact, I don’t know if it’s solid or lousy, but sometimes our kababayans start to line up the night before,” Lacson said on March 16, according to a Rappler report.

To accommodate the growing crowds, Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) has extended distribution hours, according to FTI president Joseph Lo.

Government Assurances and Supply Levels

The Department of Agriculture (DA) acknowledged the public’s anxiety stemming from the Middle East conflict but cautioned against panic buying. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. Stated, “But acting out of panic will only worsen the situation. We have enough rice buffer and a good harvest.”

As of March 17, the NFA reported a rice buffer stock sufficient for 10.3 days of national consumption. The agency purchases rice from local farmers at ₱17 per kilo for fresh palay and ₱21 per kilo for dry palay, aiming to maintain emergency buffer stocks.

NFA Seeks Expanded Authority for Faster Distribution

The NFA is requesting the government’s approval to sell rice directly to the public, bypassing the current requirement to go through Food Terminal Inc. And the Department of Agriculture. According to a report by Context.ph, this direct sales approach is intended to expedite distribution and clear out older stocks. If approved, NFA rice could be sold at ₱33 per kilogram, in addition to the existing ₱20 per kilogram program for vulnerable sectors.

The NFA is also proposing emergency purchases of trucks and a streamlined rice milling process to further improve efficiency, as reported by Manila Bulletin.

Rice Prices in Metro Manila (March 17, 2026)

• Local well-milled rice: ₱47.27/kg
• Local regular milled rice: ₱41.65/kg
• Imported well-milled rice: ₱47.63/kg
• Imported regular milled rice: ₱42.91/kg
• Special imported rice: ₱60.71/kg
• Premium imported rice: ₱58.19/kg
• Special local rice: ₱59.61/kg
• Premium local rice: ₱54.05/kg

Program Eligibility

Beneficiaries of the government’s ₱20/kilo rice program include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, indigent families, solo parents, farmers, fishers, minimum wage earners, and public transport workers.

Sources: Context.ph, Manila Bulletin