Many vegetable vendors in Mangaldan, Pangasinan have stopped selling tomatoes due to their high prices, making it difficult for consumers to afford them.

As of this writing, the price of tomatoes ranges from P150 to P180 per kilo, which many consumers find too expensive.

"Kapag bibili ng kamatis dahil mahal ang presyo… isa o dalawang kamatis nalang ilagay sa ulam," Maura de Guzman, a shopper, said.

Farmers in the area have also refrained from planting tomatoes. They said tomato plants are damaged easily during the rainy season, which means losses.

"Hindi na kasi nag-survive tanim namin, dati kasi sobrang init, ngayon naman hindi rin mabuhay," Gerlie Patawaran, a farmer, said.

The extreme heat caused by the El Niño phenomenon has also affected the crops.

“Napakalaking epekto ‘yung panahon natin, ‘yung sobrang init tapos biglang aambon o uulan... sa kanilang kondisyon talagang maapektuhan ang tanim nila," Merle Cuison-Sali, the Mangaldan Municipal Agriculturist, said.

The price of tomatoes may reach P200 per kilo if supply continues to decrease.