Galunggong retail price up 20 percent

MANILA, Philippines — The retail price of galunggong or round scad has increased by 20 percent as fish demand rises during the Holy Week.

“Historically, the retail price of fish increases by 10 to 20 percent (during the Holy Week),” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said yesterday.

Round scad’s retail price increased to P240 per kilo from P200 per kilo last week, he said.

“Just like last year, the retail price increased from P190 (per kilo) to P220 per kilo. Last Monday, it went down to P200 compared to its prevailing price last month of P240. But now, based on the reports to us, it increased to P240 per kilo,” he added.

Filipinos shift to fish instead of meat during the Lenten season, he noted.

“For bangus (milkfish), there is no movement yet. For tilapia, the price remains stable but we expect a slight increase by Wednesday until Saturday,” he added.

There is no movement in the retail price of vegetables, De Mesa said.

“We have a good harvest of tomatoes. There is no movement in the retail price of ampalaya. The retail price of tomatoes even decreased by 12 percent or P10 (per kilo) and we expect a stable price within the week,” he added.

Pork shoulder’s retail price dropped by P10 per kilo while pork belly increased between P5 and P10 per kilo, he noted.

There is no movement in the cost of chicken and beef, he said.

The retail price of medium-sized eggs decreased to P7 per piece from the previous P8 per piece last week.

“We have many supplies despite the El Niño. Our egg production has increased,” De Mesa said.

He gave assurance that the retail price of fish would normalize after the Holy Week.