Poultry prices soar amid reported supply problem

The price of poultry sold at some markets in Quezon City has increased since the past month as vendors are reeling from a reported shortage in supply.

According to a report by Bernadette Reyes on Balitanghali on Wednesday, poultry prices reached P160 per kilo at the Commonwealth market. Choice cuts were also being sold for as much as P180 per kilo.

There has been at least a P40- to P50-increase in prices compared to past months.

As vendors cited problems in the supply, the United Broilers Raisers' Association (UBRA) said fewer producers are opting to raise poultry birds as imports were flooding the local markets.

"Nagsabay 'yun ulan at napakainit. 'Yan ang ayaw na ayaw ng manok; hindi masyadong lumalaki. Kung lumaki man, mabagal. Kaya 'yung supply mo, nabawasan," UBRA president Bong Inciong told GMA News.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reiterated that poultry should be sold within its suggested retail price (SRP).

"The cost of production now is ranging from P98 to P105 plus P50 lang siya nasa pinakamataas na dapat na mabili nila yung manok per kilo, P155," Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.

The DTI added that it will continue to monitor the markets for overpricing retailers. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News