Piura fish prices surge as mackerel reaches S/55 per kilo

Fish prices in Piura have surged significantly, with mackerel fillets reaching S/55 per kilo. Other species, including horse mackerel (cachema), mackerel (jurel), bonito, and camotillo, have also seen substantial price increases.

Local vendors attribute the scarcity and rising costs to high sea temperatures and a reduction in marine production, which have caused fish populations to disperse. This trend is impacting both consumers and merchants; for instance, the cost of purchasing three crates of fish has risen from approximately S/800 to over S/2,000. As a result, some consumers are purchasing smaller quantities, while others are turning to more affordable options like squid (pota).