Rice vendors at the Calasiao Public Market are feeling the pinch as online sellers lure customers with lower prices and free delivery.

Vendors report that daily sales have plummeted, with many struggling to sell even three sacks of rice, compared to the 10 sacks they used to sell daily.

They attribute the decline to the growing competition posed by online rice sellers.

Elsa Espino, a rice vendor, called for government regulation of online sellers to ensure fairness.

“Tingnan nila 'yun para patas naman. Kami, halimbawa ngayon, renewan ng business permit namin tumataas, eh di kami din apektado. Eh sila wala naman siguro kung mag-business permit sila ng ganun,” she said.

Traditional market vendors hope for better oversight to address the challenges posed by the online marketplace and ensure fair competition in the rice industry.