The continued increase in fuel prices is now being felt by farmers in General Santos City.

According to some farmers who deliver vegetables to a public market in the city, the increasing cost of fuel has affected their transportation expenses.

A farmer from Bansalan, Davao del Sur said her fuel budget for transporting vegetables to General Santos City went up to around P2,500 from P1,500.

“Lugi na, sa krudo napupunta, kwan pa ang benta, mahina,” said Laila Sulutan.

Because of the high fuel prices, some vendors are expecting that the prices of vegetables will be affected.

Some consumers have started adjusting their buying habits by purchasing vegetables and other food items that could last for weeks or even a month.

“We are not hoarding bale  nagbudget na lang for the whole  two months  or one month.  nagpalit na mi og gulay kasi may be next it will be worst,” a consumer, Ash Orendain, said.

Another consumer said buying vegetables could now help him save money for his small store.

“Palit na salpak na ba na sa kwan… unsaon na lang nato palitonon… karon budget-budget lang sa ta,” another consumer, Jocas Tadle, said.

The Office of the City Agriculturist said it is still early to determine if panic buying is already happening. However, the office assured the public that food production in the city continues.

“So kana ang dili ko matubag, mura’g mag-panic buying or mag-hoard ang mga tao karon, pero in terms of food production, wala ma’y ingon nga ang mga farmer nangundang sila og tanom kay mahal na kaayo ang inputs,” City Agriculturist Office Head, Elsie Villanueva, said.