Rising fuel prices are pushing up the cost of fish in markets across Pangasinan, hitting local consumers just weeks before Holy Week.

At the Mangaldan Public Market, the price of bangus (milkfish), tilapia, and galunggong (round scad) climbed by as much as P20 per kilo. Suppliers at Dagupan’s Magsaysay Fish Market also reportedly raised prices suddenly.

“Sobrang epekto ng pagtaas ng gasolina, kasi ‘yung mga bangka ‘yan ang ginagamit,” Nory Aquino, president of the Mangaldan Fish Vendor Association, said.

Currently, bangus sells for P200–240 per kilo, tilapia at P140–150 per kilo, and galunggong at P200–250 per kilo.

“Mataas ang presyo, ang laki ng itinaas sa presyo kasi gawa ng mataas na gasolina,” Aquino added.

Consumers like Irene Habacon are adjusting their budgets to cope with the higher prices.

“Iba-budget nalang namin ang pambili, para makabili din ng bigas at isda,” she said.

The agriculture group SINAG said fish prices are expected to remain high as long as fuel costs stay elevated, especially since fishermen rely on gasoline for their boats.

“Expected tataas ‘yan, ‘yung sa presyo ng isda kasi daily ‘yan na pagkuha ang fuel noong isang araw P54, ngayon nasa P70 na,” said Engr. Rosendo So, chairman of SINAG.

The price surge also comes as demand is expected to rise ahead of Holy Week, putting additional pressure on both suppliers and consumers.