Expect smaller, pricier bangus and other fishes due to cold weather

Due to the cold weather, consumers found bangus and other fish more expensive at public markets.

According to a report by Darlene Cay on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita on Wednesday, the bangus accessible in public markets were also smaller.

ADVERTISEMENT

A medium-sized bangus that was once sold at P180 per kilo at the Blumentritt Market in Manila is now P200 per kilo. Additionally, this was the largest size that was offered at the market on Wednesday.

Prices for bangus from Dagupan and Laguna range from P150 to P200 per kilo, but the sizes available now are less.

Customers have complained that bangus have become smaller yet more expensive, according to a fish vendor.

ADVERTISEMENT

The following fish prices increased as well:

  • salmon: from P120 to P130 per kilo to P180 per kilo now
  • yellowfin tuna: from P200/kilo to P260/kilo
  • galunggong: from P160/kilo to P200/kilo
  • tilapia: from P100/kilo to P130/kilo now

According to one fishmonger, the colder the weather, the deeper the fish swim, and the fewer fish are caught.

Also read: Price manipulation behind spike in onion prices

ADVERTISEMENT

Expect smaller, pricier bangus and other fishes due to cold weather

When the water temperature is high, and the air temperature is low, fish do not grow quickly, as stated by the Board of Fishery.

“Ito ‘yung problema natin, kasi ‘yung metabolism ng mga isda ‘yung paggamit ng mga kinain ng isda ay hindi maayos, hindi normal kaya tuwing malamig ang panahon i-expect natin na ‘yung paglaki ng isda ay hindi normal kaysa kung nasa tag-araw tayo o mainit ang panahon,” Dr. Westly Rosario, chairman of the Board of Fishery, said.

Bangus prices in Dagupan City have also increased recently due to cold weather.

Oversized bangus sell for P150–P160 per kilo at the Magsaysay Fish Market, while smaller ones sell for P110.

The average size of a bangus is 15 centimeters, although the majority of the bangus for sale are only about 6 centimeters long.

Bangus prices are anticipated to increase further in the near future.

PAGASA, the Philippine Geophysical, and Aeronomical Services Administration, predicted that the cold weather would last till the end of February.

Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.