Vegetable, fish prices in PHL start going up

Filipino consumers may have to brace for an increase in the prices of fish and vegetables as the Holy Week draws closer. A report on dzBB radio early Thursday said prices of some vegetables have started going up, with vendors blaming fuel price hikes and the decision of some traders transporting the vegetables to Metro manila taking a Holy Week break. The report said prices of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Baguio beans are now at P40 per kilo, with vendors hinting prices may go up by as much as P20 per kilo more. Fish prices are also expected to go up in the coming days mainly due to increased demand for it during the Holy Week, the report added. Catholic Filipinos are expected to abstain from meat during the Holy Week, especially on Good Friday. As of Thursday, dzBB's Carlo Mateo said prices of Baguio beans at the Quinta Market in Quiapo had even gone up to as high as P45 per kilo. However, prices of other vegetables such as eggplant and ampalaya remained relatively stable, while prices of calamansi went down to P60 per kilo. — LBG, GMA News