MANILA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said it is moving to lock in fertilizer supplies from key global producers as oil-driven price spikes threaten farm output later this year.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said Manila has opened talks with several partners to ensure steady deliveries of the critical farm input.

Tiu Laurel said global fertilizer prices have already risen, with urea potentially reaching 800 U.S. dollars per metric tonne if tensions in the Middle East escalate further.

Although the DA has secured more than 80 percent of fertilizer requirements through September, Tiu Laurel warned that delivery risks are increasing as prices climb.

For now, the DA said domestic food supply remains adequate, though prices are expected to rise due to higher logistics and transport costs.

To cushion the impact, the government has intensified market monitoring and begun rolling out targeted financial assistance, including fuel subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk. ■