Several fishermen and vendors lamented the continued increase in oil prices, saying that it has greatly affected the fishing industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fishermen in Camarines Norte expressed dismay over the series of oil hikes as their fishing expenses almost doubles but selling price of fishes does not increase as high in the province.
According to fisherman Mr. Domingo Nemi, as they struggle fishing in the sea, they find it even harder to deliver their products in Manila as oil prices becomes sky high. Nowadays, transportation expenses reached Php 12,000.00 back and forth from Php 6, 000.00 recently.
Nemi said that going along with the rise in petroleum prices are other challenges that they usually encounter such as weather disturbances and illegal fishing making it even harder for them to make ends meet.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said recently that the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the Philippines will be mainly through higher oil prices. The relentless rise in oil prices has an “adverse” ripple effect, especially on basic commodities and services.
