Monsoon, ‘Helen’ hike veggie prices by P20/kilo

MANILA, Philippines – The monsoon rains and Typhoon Helen which brought torrential rain on key vegetable production areas have caused retail prices of vegetables in Metro Manila to increase by as much as P20 per kilo.

In a report, the Bureau of Agriculture Statistics (BAS) noted that vegetable prices have increased from anywhere between P10 per kilo to as high as P20 per kilo.

This is largely because of the P5 per kilo to P10 per kilo increase in the wholesale price of vegetables, particularly temperate vegetables, from last week’s rate.

“The devastating effects of the recent typhoons and monsoon rains on vegetable production areas in Central and Northern Luzon provinces resulted in the reduced supply in Metro Manila markets,” the BAS said.

Vegetable prices up

The BAS said the price of cabbage rose to P60 per kilogram from P50 last week while habitchuelas prices reached P90 per kilo.

Data also showed there was a P10 increase in the prices of sayote and pechay Baguio that were quoted this week at P40 and P60 per kilogram, respectively.  

Prevailing retail prices of okra and radish were also higher by 25% and 20%, respectively. Other indicator vegetables held on to last week’s retail prices.

Fish prices down

Meantime, the improvement in the weather has brought down prices of some captured fish species by P20 to P30 per kilo.

The BAS said the volume of unloadings at the fish port increased because fishermen were able to resume operations.

However, tilapia and bangus (milk fish) remained quoted at previous week’s price levels.
          
Basic necessities such as rice, sugar and cooking oil were pegged at previous weeks’ tags.
    
“As supply amply filled the market requirements, prices  of pork, beef and chicken stood firm at last  week’s quotations,” the BAS said. “Lanzones, rambutan and other seasoned fruits started to fill fruit stands in the Metropolis.”

Inflation

Weather-related increases in food prices are among the most-watched economic indicators.

A faster pace of inflation, the general measure of prices of goods and services, can have an impact on personal incomes, savings, consumption, and general economic growth of the country. – Rappler.com