Oversupply has caused prices of red onions to drop by P10 per kilo in markets in Dagupan City.
“Marami talagang suplay, maraming traders ngayon, kaya minsan may mga sirang sibuyas, kami nililinis na lang namin,” Michelle Santos, an onion vendor, said.
The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) attributed the oversupply to onions harvested early in 2024 and stored in cold storage facilities.
The oversupply is also blamed on low demand in recent months, which has affected traders and farmers who stored onions in anticipation of higher prices.
“Marami kasing nailagay sa cold storage, ['yun] ‘yung nilalabas ngayon, bale lugi ang nagpa-cold storage,” SINAG Chairman Rosendo So said.
Despite this, the supply of onions is expected to last until January 2025, with no anticipated shortage of white onions, thanks to ongoing imports.
Prices of both red and white onions, as of now, range from P90 to P100 per kilo, with further reductions possible when new harvests arrive.
“Sa suki ako bumibili para may discount talaga,” Rosie Romero, a regular customer, said.