Retail prices of rice and selected seafood products at Bankerohan Public Market increased this week, with vendors citing higher fuel costs and inconsistent supply as factors affecting transport, sourcing, and deliveries.
Rice prices per kilo as of April 1, 2026, rose from last week’s levels, according to vendor Shooby Magno. Mr. Chow increased to ₱60 from ₱58, Jasmine to ₱59 from ₱57, Seven Tonner to ₱59 from ₱57, Banay-Banay to ₱54 from ₱52, Kohaku Yellow to ₱60 from ₱58, V-160 to ₱59 from ₱57, and King to ₱62 from ₱60. Malagkit climbed to ₱44 from ₱42, while spotted rice rose to ₱42 from ₱40, reflecting higher transport costs.
A 31-year-old rice vendor, who declined to be named, said the supply remains sufficient, but prices have increased due to rising fuel costs.
A 31-year-old rice vendor who declined to be named said, “Sakto ang supply, nagtaas lang ang presyo tungod sa kataas sa krudo. Gina-deliver lang man gud sa amo (Supply is sufficient; prices have only increased due to the high cost of fuel. We rely on deliveries for our stocks)."
Egg prices, however, remained stable across all sizes, indicating steady supply and demand. Small eggs stayed at ₱180 per tray, medium at ₱200, large at ₱210, extra-large at ₱230, and jumbo at ₱255, according to vendor Kabunog Lugatob.
Seafood prices showed mixed movements, particularly for shrimp and fish, as supply fluctuated during the week. Seafood vendor Jay Quinn Jemina, 24, said shrimp prices declined due to increased availability. Small shrimp dropped to ₱360 per kilo from ₱380, while large shrimp fell to ₱450 from ₱550. He said the products come from General Santos City and are typically delivered in three boxes per shipment, each weighing about 32 kilos.
Jemina said demand remains steady, with buyers favoring smaller shrimp due to affordability. Increased supply helped ease prices, although transport costs continue to affect overall pricing.
Fish prices, meanwhile, showed slight increases and fluctuations depending on the variety. Matambaka ranged from ₱220 to ₱260 per kilo, Moro-Moro from ₱180 to ₱230, Bodboron held at ₱230, Danggit slipped to ₱350 from ₱360, while Pompano remained at ₱450.
Fish vendor Jasmine Jaire, 21, said fewer fishermen have gone out to sea due to rough conditions, reducing the volume of catch available in the market.
Another vendor, Jenny Martinez, also echoed this sentiment.
“Nagataas ang presyo kay gina-export lang among isda gikan sa Gensan. Kabalo naman siguro ta na naga-taas ang oil, mao naga-taas pud ang presyo sa isda (Prices are rising because our fish are sourced from General Santos City. We all know oil prices are increasing, which is also driving fish prices up),” she said.
Martinez added that their purchase volume dropped from 40 kilos worth ₱4,800 last week to 30 kilos worth ₱3,600 this week, while delivery costs remained at ₱500. The lower volume reflects a tighter supply, which may affect availability if demand increases in the coming days.
She also warned of possible shortages as demand typically rises during Holy Week, when more consumers turn to fish and seafood.
“Usahay naga-close mi kung walay stocks or delivery na isda, labi na kung taas ang demand (Sometimes we close when there is no fish in stock or no delivery arrives, especially when demand is high),” she added.
Despite rising prices and supply concerns, essential goods remain available at Bankerohan Public Market. However, vendors warned that seafood, especially fish, may sell out quickly if demand surges during peak periods, particularly when supply is limited, and deliveries are affected by fuel costs and weather conditions. Hanessa D. Tambuco/DOrSU, Sunstar Intern