Fish prices in Metro Manila public markets surged this Holy Week due to the spike in consumer demand.

At Kamuning Market in Quezon City, prices increased by an average of P60 per kilo.

Galunggong is selling at P240 per kilo from its previous P200, while the price of shrimp increased to P50, now up to P500 per kilo. Bangus prices range between P150 and P240.

In the Marikina public market, prices increased by as much as P40. Bangus now cost P250, galunggong P300, and hasa-hasa is at P400. Tilapia remains the most affordable option selling for P160 per kilo.

Steeper price increases were recorded at La Huerta Public Market in Parañaque City, with some varieties of fish posing a P80 to P90 increase, such as hasa-hasa from P360 to P440, tulingan from P240 to P330, and sapsap from P380 to P440.

In contrast, prices in nearby provinces, including Binangonan, Rizal, have remained relatively steady. Galunggong is priced at P240, bangus at P220, and tilapia at P150-P160 per kilo.

Fish vendor Alex Celajes in Rizal noted that the price surge was due to increased demand and supplier price adjustments.

“Prices might go up further tomorrow until Good Friday because suppliers are already selling at high rates,” he added.

Despite the price hikes, the Department of Agriculture (DA) maintains there is no cause for further price increases.

In a statement on 15 April, DA deputy spokesperson Joycel Panlilio said in a televised interview that supply levels are sufficient to meet the seasonal demand.

“After Holy Week, the normal demand for pork will return,” she added.

Meanwhile, pork sales remain slow despite a drop in prices.

At Kamuning Market, pork meat and pork chop prices dropped to P350 from P380, while was the only pork product that saw a price increase, rising to P470 from P450.

Vendors attributed the decline in sales to the Holy Week abstinence, restaurants closing for the holiday, and regular customers returning to their provinces.

Meanwhile, vegetable prices also went up due to limited supply and rising fuel costs.