Vendors at Agdao Public Market in Davao reported on Wednesday that prices for fish and several agricultural products have surged this week following supply chain disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Basyang. The storm has severely impacted transportation routes from the Visayas and parts of Mindanao, leading to reduced availability and higher retail costs, particularly for seafood items.
Severe Weather Halts Fishing and Transport Operations
Rough sea conditions have forced many fishing boats to remain docked, while heavy rainfall has slowed down cargo trucks and maritime transport. This dual impact has created a tight supply situation, pushing prices upward across the market. Vendor Denden Magno explained, "It's gone up a bit now because the weather isn't good. The prices of everything we buy here have really increased a lot." She noted that nearly all goods have experienced price hikes due to the adverse weather conditions.
Seafood Prices Experience Sharpest Increases
Seafood products have seen the most dramatic price jumps. Red snapper now sells for ₱550 to ₱600 per kilogram, up from approximately ₱500 before the storm. Spanish mackerel has increased to ₱600 from ₱580, while mulmol has jumped to ₱380 from ₱300. Angel fish prices have risen to ₱300 from ₱280, and bigeye scad currently ranges from ₱300 to ₱400 per kilo.
Vendors reported that prices for bangus, tulingan, and barilison have remained stable for the time being, but they cautioned that extended weather disturbances could still affect their supply chains in the coming days.
Meat and Poultry Prices Remain Steady
In contrast to seafood, meat sellers have maintained more stable pricing. Vendors Marissa Barbarona and Arnelito Limbaran confirmed that pork shoulder and ham cuts have held at ₱359 per kilo, while pork belly ranges from ₱380 to ₱400. Ground pork continues to sell for ₱350, with pork leg priced between ₱290 and ₱320 and ribs ranging from ₱280 to ₱400.
Chicken prices have also remained unchanged, with whole birds selling for ₱190, cut portions at ₱195, and liver priced at ₱200 per kilogram.
Vegetable Prices Largely Unaffected
Vegetable prices have shown remarkable resilience against the storm's impact. String beans and pechay continue to sell at ₱100 per kilo, while ampalaya and carrots maintain their price range of ₱90 to ₱100 per kilogram.
Consumers Adjust Purchasing Habits
Market shoppers have begun adapting to the price increases by purchasing smaller portions or switching to more affordable alternatives as they await improved weather conditions and normalized supply chains. This shift in consumer behavior reflects the immediate economic impact of the storm on household budgets.
Market Authorities Monitor Pricing
Local market authorities are actively monitoring stalls to ensure fair pricing practices as the storm's effects continue to ripple through regional markets. Vendors expressed optimism that prices would stabilize once sea conditions improve and delivery schedules return to normal.
The ongoing situation highlights the vulnerability of food supply chains to extreme weather events and underscores the importance of resilient transportation infrastructure for maintaining price stability in local markets.
