Tomato prices surge in Nueva Ecija due to supply shortage

Tomato prices in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, have significantly increased due to a shortage in supply.

According to a Balitanghali report on Monday, tomatoes are now priced at P130 to P180 per kilo at the Sangitan Public Market. 

The shortage has been linked to agricultural damage caused by tropical cyclones that struck the Philippines in 2024.

In Metro Manila, tomato prices have also surged as retailers factored in additional costs. 

At the Marikina Public Market, tomatoes are being sold for up to P400 per kilo, making them more expensive than some pork cuts such as liempo, which is priced between P360 and P380 per kilo. 

Other pork varieties, like pork ribs, kasim, and pork chops, are sold at P320 per kilo.

As of January 3, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that tomato prices ranged from P200 to P360 per kilo.

The DA was also monitoring the following produce prices (per kilo):

• Ampalaya: P90–P160
• Sitaw: P110–P140
• Pechay Tagalog: P60–P130
• Kalabasa: P35–P70
• Talong: P90–P160
• Siling Labuyo: P600–P1,000
• White Onion: P80–P180
• Red Onion: P100–P170
• Garlic: P130–P450
• Imported Garlic: P130–P210

— Mariel Celine Serquiña/DVM, GMA Integrated News