Prices of basic commodities at Bankerohan and Agdao public markets in Davao City have experienced significant fluctuations this week, as vendors grapple with balancing steady supply against escalating transport and utility expenses. This situation is creating challenges for both sellers and consumers, with rising costs threatening to undermine recent price reductions observed after the Holy Week period.
Post-Holy Week Price Adjustments and Current Pressures
Following the Holy Week, vegetable and rice prices initially saw a decline, offering temporary relief to shoppers. However, this trend has been quickly reversed due to increased delivery and storage costs. For instance, eggplant, which had dropped to ₱20 per kilo, is now reflecting additional transport expenses, highlighting the volatile nature of market pricing.
Detailed Commodity Price List
Current prices at Bankerohan Market illustrate the ongoing adjustments:
- Ginger: ₱130 per kilo
- Onions: ₱120 per kilo
- Tomatoes: ₱90 per kilo
- Cabbage and eggplant: ₱80 per kilo
Florita Baron, a 61-year-old rice vendor, emphasized the impact of logistics on her earnings. She noted that delivery costs have added an extra ₱2 per sack, compounding earlier price spikes of over ₱50 that had already strained her business operations.
Poultry and Meat Price Increases
Poultry prices have also seen slight rises, with Marilyn Calledo, a 45-year-old vendor, reporting that chicken prices increased by approximately ₱5 per kilo. Calledo explained that business has slowed due to higher costs for essentials like ice, which is crucial for her specific products as she cannot use a freezer.
Current poultry prices at Bankerohan include:
- Whole chicken: ₱170 per kilo
- Chicken liver (atay): ₱230 per kilo
- Gizzard (baticulon): ₱220 per kilo
Price disparities between Bankerohan and Agdao markets persist, with pork belly priced at ₱340 per kilo in Bankerohan compared to ₱380 in Agdao, and pork shoulder at ₱300 versus ₱340, respectively.
Seafood and Stable Items
Seafood prices show variability, with boneless bangus (milkfish) ranging from ₱60 to ₱90 per piece based on size. Shrimp (pasayan) sells between ₱330 and ₱350 per kilo, while squid (nokus) costs around ₱120 per kilo. In contrast, rice and egg prices remain stable for now, with jasmine rice at ₱60 per kilo or ₱1,400 per sack, and medium-sized eggs priced at ₱8 each.
Consumer Impact and Future Outlook
For many residents, even minor price shifts have a profound effect on daily spending. Mohammad Yasser Cayugan, a 25-year-old local, stated that rising costs are forcing families to cut back on purchases, limiting their consumption in everyday life. Vendors have warned that if fuel and utility costs continue to climb, market prices could see further increases in the coming weeks, exacerbating the financial strain on both buyers and sellers.
