Seafood prices going up: report

Prices of some seafood in wet markets in Metro Manila started rising in time for the Holy Week, GMA News' “24 Oras” reported on Wednesday.

In Mega Q-Mart and Kamuning Market, prices of galunggong rose to P80 to P100 per kilo from P60 last week; dalagang bukid to P100 per kilo from P80; tilapia to P100 per kilo from P80; bangus to P140 per kilo from P100; and tuna to P250 per kilo from P200.

“Mahal na po yung sa kinukuhanan namin e,” said one of the fish vendors.

Other vendors interviewed by GMA News said the increase was due to the limited supply coming from the provinces.

“Medyo tumaas siya. Kasi siguro Holy Week,” said one consumer.

“Next week, after Holy Week, normally babalik na 'yan,” a vendor said.

Prices of shellfish and other seafood remain stable, with shrimp at P360 to P460 per kilo; squid at P240 to P250 per kilo; hasa-hasa at P180 to P200 per kilo and tahong at P80 per kilo.

The price of chicken has also increased to P140 per kilo from P100 to P120.

A vendor said the price of chicken increased due to the low demand for pork and beef during Holy Week.

“Lalong tumaas kasi walang baboy e,” said a chicken vendor.

Aside from ginger (P180 per kilo) and garlic (P140 per kilo), prices of vegetables remain stable, “24 Oras” reported.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has already lifted the shellfish ban in the towns of Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan after both towns were affected by red tide for about a month. — Elizabeth Marcelo/BM, GMA News