Food, service prices start rising ahead of major fuel hikes

Prices of some food items and services have already begun rising on Monday ahead of expected massive fuel price increases.

According to Mariz Umali’s report on “24 Oras,” the per-kilo price of lapu-lapu (grouper) at the Bulungan Seafood Market in Parañaque rose from P300 to P400.

Meanwhile, the price of bakoko (emperor fish) climbed from P250 to P400 per kilo.

At the Balintawak Market in Quezon City, a container of fish now costs P500 more, prompting some vendors to sell fish per bundle instead of per kilo so customers can still afford them.

Other price increases monitored include:

• Eggplant (per pack): P250 to P400
• Squash (per kilo): P27 to P35
• Calamansi (per kilo): P100 to P120

Vendors said the produce comes from the Ilocos Region, where transport costs could rise further if fuel prices continue to increase.

Some consumers have resorted to buying half a kilo of goods to stay within their budgets.

According to the Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations, higher shipping fees are unavoidable since nearly 50% of their operations rely on petroleum products.

The group said fuel price hikes could lead to 20% to 30% increases in transportation service costs.

Several transport groups have also called for fare increases.

Meanwhile, some shipping companies in Cebu have announced temporary fare hikes and the suspension of some trips to reduce crude oil consumption.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reminded public utility vehicle drivers and operators to renew or update their expired IDs to qualify for the government’s fuel subsidy program.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/MCG, GMA Integrated News