Thailand urges stores to keep pork prices stable amid shortage
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) urges retail and wholesale stores to maintain stable pork prices despite recent supply-driven increases.
Wittayakorn Maneenetr, DIT Director General, stated that consultations with the Department of Livestock Development and the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand have highlighted a reduced availability of pigs.
Approximately 60,000 pigs are supplied daily, sufficient for domestic needs. The recent supply issues are attributed to extreme heat since late March, impacting pig growth and reducing their average weight prior to slaughter.
Farmers are also facing increased production costs, particularly in electricity and water, necessary to maintain appropriate farm temperatures and address heat-related challenges.
Farm-gate prices for live pigs remain steady at 88 baht per kilogramme and are expected to stay stable in the near term. Retail pork prices range between 72.30 baht and 133.94 baht per kilogramme, depending on the cut and region, according to The Nation.
Prices might decrease with the onset of the rainy season when conditions become more favourable for pig farming, aligning with the production cycle.
Wittayakorn noted that the DIT has conducted discussions with wholesale and retail stores, urging them to sustain current retail pork prices. Stores must inform the DIT and provide detailed justifications if they plan to increase prices. The department will then engage with major producers to manage costs effectively, aiming to minimise any potential consumer impact, reported Bangkok Post.
“The DIT is committed to ensuring sufficient pork availability for consumption. If a store wishes to raise prices, we will assess their reasons. Additionally, we instruct provincial commerce offices to monitor pricing in traditional markets.”
To support consumers, the department has been providing pork at below-market prices during Blue Flag events in Bangkok and other provinces. The department closely monitors both pig and pork prices and encourages individuals encountering unfair pricing to report it via hotline 1569.
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