Fish prices have dropped in Dagupan City as supply increased but authorities warned that high fuel costs and a lingering red tide alert continue to affect the other parts of Luzon.

At the Magsaysay Fish Market, buyers like Katrina Buanhog said galunggong and squid are now more affordable, helping households save on daily expenses.

“Mas maganda para mas nakakatipid,” Buanhog said.

Prices of galunggong fell to around P100 to P120 per kilo from about P280, while squid prices dropped to P200 to P400 per kilo from as high as P500.

Vendors said sales have improved, with supplies quickly selling out due to the seasonal increase in catch.

“Bumaba din po kasi napakarami ano ngayon. Panahon kasi ng pusit at galunggong basta Marso at April, panahon na po ng galunggong at pusit,” Jackie Lou Bagani, a vendor, said.

However, the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said the situation may not be the same in other parts of Luzon due to high fuel prices affecting fishing operations.

“Medyo tataas dahil sa fuel so apektado ‘yan. X three ‘yung cost ng pagkuha ng isda. ‘Yung mga iba ayaw pumunta sa dagat dahil nga sa presyo ng fuel,” SINAG chairman Rosendo So said.

Meanwhile, a red tide alert remains in coastal waters of Anda and Bolinao.

Authorities warned the public to avoid buying shellfish from these areas as monitoring continues by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).