Bangus, tilapia prices rise by as much as P20 per kilo

Bangus (milkfish) and tilapia prices have risen in various markets due to a lack of supply, a report on GMA's “24 Oras” said Wednesday.

In Mega Q-Mart in Quezon City the prices of bangus rose to P120 per kilo from the previous P100. Tilapia prices also saw an increase to P100 per kilo from the usual P90.

According to the Department of Agriculture, other markets are selling medium-sized bangus for up to P140 per kilo.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aquaculturist Elizer Sahilig said the current prices can possibly rise by as much as P40 per kilo from October to December.

“Pinepredict po ni director na nasa P30 to P40 per kilo. Pagdating ng October sigurado kami na nasa P40 per kilo na [ang increase] dahil sa demand for the month of December,” Sahilig said.

The price hike is attributed to the destruction of fish cages in bad weather.

In an earlier report, the BFAR said Typhoon Glenda left behind broken fish pens, which could mean a shortage in aquaculture products over the next nine months. — Andrei Medina/BM, GMA News