Imported red onions have begun appearing in Dagupan markets, giving some relief to consumers as prices of native onions remain high due to dwindling supply.

At the Malimgas Public Market, Luz Quibrantos chose imported onions to stretch her budget.

“Mas mura ito, kaya ito na lang ang bilhin ko. Two hundred lang ito, ‘yung 220 mas makatipid na kami dito,” she said.

Based on market monitoring as of November 26, big imported red onions sell for ₱120 per kilo, while regular-sized imported red onions cost ₱200 per kilo. Imported white onions are priced at ₱160 per kilo.

Native red onions, meanwhile, sell for ₱240 to ₱280 per kilo, slightly lower than last week’s ₱280, according to Lanie Resuello, a vendor.

“Nasa 280 [pesos] last week ang bentahan namin, ngayon 240 [pesos] na,” Resuello said.

Despite the higher price, many buyers still prefer native onions for their longer shelf life.

“Mas tumatagal kasi ang native na sibuyas. ‘Yung imported medyo mabilis masira kaya mas gusto nila ang native,” Rosalie Apelido, a vendor, said.

But native onions are now harder to find. Stall owners say supplies at the bagsakan market have nearly run out.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) confirmed that stocks of native onions in cold storage are almost depleted, and farmers have none left for harvest until the first quarter of next year.

According to SINAG chairperson Engr. Rosendo So, the arrival of imported onions is helping stabilize prices.

“Medyo bumaba ang presyo ng onion sa market ngayon,” he said.

SINAG is also monitoring prices of other spices. As of this week, garlic sells for ₱160 per kilo, while ginger ranges from ₱120 to ₱130 per kilo.