DA: Tomato prices up P180 per kilo

MANILA, Philippines — The retail price of tomatoes has increased to P180 per kilo in Metro Manila markets, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Based on the DA’s price watch, tomato prices ranged between P110 and P180 per kilo compared to last week’s P70 and P140 per kilo.

Wholesale tomato prices have increased as they are priced between P70 and P120 per kilo in the trading post, Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal general manager Gilbert Cumila said.

Tomato supplies are sufficient, but wholesalers’ competition to buy the farm product has contributed to price spikes.

“Nothing is dumped now as even those previously difficult to sell are being bought by traders,” Cumila said.

In December 2023, farmers dumped tomatoes amid oversupply as its wholesale price fell to as low as P8 per kilo.

As for onions, its wholesale price remains stable, Cumila noted.

“I believe there is enough supply (of onions) within six to eight months,” he said.

The retail price of red onions ranged between P80 and P150 and white onions, between P60 and P120 per kilo.

Wholesale prices of most vegetables have increased, according to Cumila.

“(The wholesale price of) ginger ranged between P170 and P175 per kilo. Cabbage prices ranged from P25 to P35 per kilo,” he said.