Consumers in Negros Occidental are facing steeper prices for pork, with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) reporting a significant P7 per kilogram increase within a week.
The surge, attributed to a high demand from Panay traders, is pushing prices upward across the province, it said.
According to PVO records, the average price of pork per kilo climbed from P366.56 on February 24th to P373.50 by March 3rd. This sharp increase, precisely P6.94, is being felt across local markets.
We are seeing a significant uptick in demand, particularly from Panay traders, stated Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana. They are sourcing pigs from Negros Occidental, as well as Bohol and Mindanao, due to a lack of supply in their own region, she added.
The PVO report shows stark price variations across the province. On March 3, several localities, including San Carlos City, Pulupandan, Hinoba-an, and San Enrique, saw pork prices reaching P400 per kilo.
Bacolod City recorded an even higher average of P420 per kilo. The lowest price recorded was in Isabela at P320 per kilo, demonstrating the fluctuating market conditions.
Lemana warned that consumers should brace for further price increases as demand continues to peak. We anticipate prices will continue to rise, especially with the sustained demand from Panay, she said.
The provice Negros Occidental has been a major supplier to neighboring islands. Last month alone, the province shipped out approximately 5,000 heads of pigs, primarily to Panay and other nearby regions, further contributing to the tightening supply and consequent price hikes within the province.
