Small food businesses in Mangaldan, Pangasinan started December with added pressure as the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) climbed by ₱2 per kilo, affecting daily operations for eateries and bakeries that rely heavily on fuel.

The increase means an additional ₱22 for every 11-kilo LPG tank, an expense that owners say they can’t avoid, especially during the busy holiday season.

Gerry Nabriaga, who runs a bakery in town, said he now spends nearly ₱50,000 monthly on LPG and has to make adjustments to keep costs manageable.

“Nag-aadjust na lang ako ng putol kasi pag tinaas ko, ganun din natitirahan din ako kasi nag-iiba yung ano ng tao eh,” he said.

Sharon Ferrer, who owns a carinderia, said she has also reduced food servings to cope with rising expenses.

“Tipid-tipid po. Uling-uling po, tsaka kahoy kasi lalo na po nung bumagyo kasi maraming kahoy, halos lahat binibenta po rito,” she added.

LPG retailers said customers were informed ahead of the price change.

“Naabisuhan naman po sila na tataas ang LPG ng P2 per kilo… Hindi rin naman sila nabigla kasi maaga ding na-anunsiyo siya,” Vannessa Gaoiran, an LPG seller, said.

According to the Department of Energy, the increase was driven mainly by the rise in international contract prices. The agency added that it does not expect any LPG supply shortages this month.