The prices of fish in Pangasinan markets have started to rise days before Holy Week, with traders expecting further increases as demand grows during the religious period.

At the Mangaldan Public Market, the price of bangus has gone up by as much as ₱20 per kilo, now selling at around ₱220 from the previous ₱180 to ₱200.

“Tumaas na ang presyo, P20 na ang itinaas,” Gemma Aquino, a vendor, said.

Another vendor, Lilia Mola, said prices could rise even more in the coming days.

“Tumaas na kasi malapit na Holy Week, tataas pa ’yan,” she said.

Other types of fish such as pampano, talakitok, malaga, and salmon have also increased by up to ₱10 per kilo. Galunggong is now priced between ₱120 and ₱150 per kilo.

Residents like Martha Fernandez said the rising prices are difficult but unavoidable.

“Mahal na, mahirap kapag ganito kaya lang siyempre kailangan bumili,” she said.

According to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), fish prices usually increase during the Lenten season due to higher demand, but rising fuel costs are also pushing prices higher.

“Expected na tataas ’yan lalo na ang isda kasi daily ’yan na kinukuha,” SINAG chairman Rosendo So said.

Despite the price increases, authorities said there is currently no supply shortage of fish in Pangasinan markets.