DTI: Price hike in fish, vegetables only temporary

The recent hike in prices of fish and vegetables in Metro Manila markets should be temporary, the Department of Trade and Industry said Monday.

DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said the price hike was mainly due to the rainy weather in some parts of the country, radio dzBB reported.

Maglaya said that once weather conditions improve, the prices of fish and vegetable items should start going down.

As of Monday, the dzBB report said the DTI's price monitoring noted a price hike of up to P20 per kilo for galunggong, and P30 per kilo for bangus.

Prices of vegetables went up by P5 to P15 per kilo, the report added.

Some parts of the country are experiencing rainy weather due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Depression Emong.

PAGASA forecaster Jun Galang said their models show Tropical Depression Emong may exit the Philippine area of responsibility Thursday but may continue to affect the country up to Friday. — BM, GMA News