Seafood prices remain stable

CEBU, Philippines - Seafood prices in public markets have remained stable despite the approaching Lenten season next week, with retailers saying the current fish supply is adequate.

In fact, fish vendors at the Carbon Public Market in Cebu said on Friday prices of fish have went down by at least P20 compared to the costs few weeks ago.

Even though fish prices are normally expected to rise as the Holy Week nears, retailers explained the low demand due to the onset of summer vacation and the sufficient supply have encouraged them to retain prices.

“Usually, the demand slows down when the vacation season starts so we have remained our prices stable,” 61-year-old vendor Federico Orongan told The Freeman in Cebuano yesterday. 

Budburon or galunggong, barilis, saguksok and tulingan are now priced at P100 per kilogram, lower than P120 weeks ago. Anduhaw is sold at P110 to P120 per kilogram from P130 before. A kilogram of bukaw is priced at P120 while tuna, at P150.

Consumers may also opt for bulinaw which is bought at only P80 per kilogram. Prices of other marine products may range from P90 to P140.

“Unpredictable man gud ang presyo sa isda kay mag-depende gyud siya sa supply ug panahon,” retailer Aquilina Cabriles, 67, said.

Market vendors said they could not tell yet whether fish prices would remain steady next week. However, they still hope the demand for fish will rise ahead of the Lenten week.

LOW DEMAND FOR MEAT

Meanwhile, meat retailers have already felt the low demand for their products ahead of the Palm Sunday tomorrow, which marks the start of the Holy Week.

Meat prices though have remained stable due to sufficient stock.

One whole dressed chicken is selling at P125 while chicken cuts are priced at P140 to P145 per kilogram.

Lean pork and pork belly are bought at P190 and P200 per kilogram, respectively.

Meat vendors expressed concern that sales may even fall next week when people start to abstain from eating meat goods in the observance of the Holy days.  (FREEMAN)