For nearly two weeks, vendors at the Mangaldan Public Market in Pangasinan have had no local white onions to sell as supplies have run out, forcing them to rely solely on imported stocks.

Local white onions used to sell for P80 per kilo, but imported varieties now dominate the market at P120 to P130 per kilo, up to P40 higher.

“Wala na talaga kami… mabilís ubos na ang puting sibuyas kaya ito imported na,” Ernesto Aquino, a vendor, said.

While red onions remain available from cold storage facilities, their prices continue to climb due to high demand. From the previous P120 to P130 per kilo, red onions now cost P160 per kilo.

For consumers, the rising prices are difficult to bear.

“Mahirap kasi bina-budget na namin ang pambili ng panahog namin,” Sonia Santos, a shopper, said.

Another shopper, Lolita Bata, said she now buys fewer pieces.

“Natan say saliwén ko limara anggad animeran piraso laban la. Ngayon ang binibili ko lima hanggang anim na piraso na lang,” she said.

According to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), the country’s supply of locally grown white onions lasted only until August. Unlike red onions, white onions cannot be stored in cold facilities for long periods.

“Wala na tayong puting sibuyas, mostly imported na ang dumarating, and open naman ang import ng puting sibuyas,” Engr. Rosendo So, SINAG Chairman, said.

Imported white onions in the market mostly come from New Zealand, India, and China. Meanwhile, officials assured that the supply of red onions will last until December, though prices may remain high.