Fireworks, firecrackers prices soar in Bulacan

BOCAUE, BULACAN, Philippines, December 27 ------ The prices of fireworks and firecrackers have surged, in some cases have doubled, as manufacturers and dealers grapple with dwindling supplies less than a week before the traditional New Year celebrations.

Buyers from as far as Batangas province, Baguio City, and the Ilocos region flocked to stalls in this acknowledged “fireworks capital” on Christmas Day to take advantage of what remains of the seasonal sale. A family from Lipa City spent more than P20,000 on various types of already expensive “sawa” (intertwined firecrackers that look like a snake when unrolled) and “kwitis” (skyrocket) at De Guzman Fireworks stall in the designated pyrozone area at the Gov. Halili-Turo-Tambubong district as early as 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Michael Apayan, 27, a store attendant, said demand days before the New Year revelry had pushed prices sharply upward. The locally produced 1,000-round sawa, which previously sold for P450 to P500, now costs P1,000, while kwitis sells for P1,200 per bundle, up from P800.

Apayan told the Inquirer that supply shortages began as early as the second week of December after suppliers failed to meet bulk orders. Despite this, brisk sales have forced their shop to operate 24 hours daily. “Last night, people kept coming nonstop. Buyers really flock in the evening to avoid traffic and the daytime heat. But sales actually started picking up as early as October and November,” he said.

During those months, Apayan added, customers from the Visayas and Mindanao spent as much as P100,000, with fireworks shipped in bulk to their destinations. Dealers expect last-minute buyers until 8 p.m. on Dec. 31—just four hours before the New Year revelry begins. Susana Porcincula, owner of SRC Fireworks in Barangay Turo, said prices of locally produced fireworks, such as kwitis, sawa, fountains and “luces” (sparklers) have risen due to production setbacks caused by prolonged rains. “We have less supply this year because manufacturers were unable to produce in bulk due to months of rain, typhoons, and flooding. You cannot manufacture firecrackers in wet conditions,” she said.

Source: inquirer.net