Sari-sari stores across the Philippines recorded a 90% surge in sales this March, driven by rising global oil prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The spike reflects how both micro-retailers and consumers are responding to anticipated price increases and potential delivery disruptions.

According to insights from Filipino tech startup Packworks, based on more than 1 million transactions through its Sari.PH Pro app, total Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) across its network of 300,000 sari-sari stores reached PHP 3.73 billion in March, up sharply from PHP 1.97 billion in February.

Sharp Spike in Demand and Bulk Buying

The most significant surge occurred on March 21, when GMV jumped by 265%, following announcements of double-digit fuel price hikes on March 17. The data suggests retailers rushed to secure inventory ahead of expected increases in transportation and logistics costs.

A sari-sari store owner from Uson, Masbate shared concerns over supply stability:

“Nag-stock up kami dahil natatakot kaming maubusan ng paninda at magkaroon ng delay sa delivery mula sa mga supplier.”

(“We stocked up because we were worried about running out of supplies and possible delays in deliveries from suppliers.”)

In some areas, delivery lead times reportedly stretched to up to three weeks, prompting retailers to prioritize bulk purchasing of fast-moving goods.

Shift in Filipino Consumer Behavior

The study highlights a notable change in grassroots spending patterns. Traditionally driven by “tingi” culture (small, frequent purchases), Filipino households are now shifting toward fewer but larger transactions to reduce transport costs and mitigate uncertainty.

  • Average basket size rose from PHP 337–1,097 (February)
    to PHP 597–1,560 (March)
  • Transaction volume increased by only 17%, indicating consolidation of purchases rather than higher frequency

“With growing uncertainty and rising oil and commodity prices, our data suggests that sari-sari store owners are proactively adjusting their purchasing strategies,” said Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel. “Larger basket sizes and increased inventory levels indicate preparedness for potential supply disruptions and rising costs.”

Regional Trends: Strong Growth Across All Areas

All regions reported significant increases in basket size:

  • Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): +101.7% (PHP 773 → PHP 1,560)
  • National Capital Region (NCR): +85% (PHP 396 → PHP 733)
  • Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM): +80.2% (PHP 495 → PHP 892)

Fast-Moving Goods Lead Sales Growth

Top-performing product categories reflect both necessity and consumer stocking behavior:

  • Cigarettes: +PHP 234 million
  • Detergent: +PHP 116 million
  • Gin: +PHP 66 million
  • Powdered coffee: ~PHP 55 million
  • Chips and dips: +PHP 45 million

Other essentials such as soda, biscuits, powdered milk, and canned goods also saw strong increases, signaling widespread household stockpiling.

Resilience of Sari-Sari Stores Amid Economic Pressure

“As the backbone of local communities, sari-sari stores continue to demonstrate resilience in times of disruption,” said Packworks Chief Platform Officer Hubert Yap. “However, they remain highly vulnerable to price fluctuations and logistical challenges, highlighting the need for continued support.”

About Packworks

Packworks is a Filipino tech startup empowering sari-sari stores nationwide through digital tools and data-driven insights. Its platform helps micro-retailers manage inventory, track sales, and improve operational efficiency.

For more information, visit: http://packworks.io/