Fireworks and firecrackers have seen sharp price increases days before the New Year, with some items now costing nearly twice as much as last year due to limited supply and strong demand. Dealers said production setbacks and early bulk buying tightened inventories well ahead of the peak holiday rush.
Buyers Pack Fireworks Capital
Shoppers from Batangas province, Baguio City, and the Ilocos region began converging on the country’s fireworks hub in Bocaue, Bulacan as early as Christmas Day to secure remaining stocks. Despite higher prices, buyers continued to line up, with some households spending more than P20,000 on popular items such as sawa and kwitis.
Dealers reported steady foot traffic throughout the day, peaking in the evenings. To cope with the volume of buyers, several stalls extended operating hours, with some staying open nearly 24 hours.
Prices Rise as Supply Falls
The impact of limited supply has been most evident in prices. A locally produced 1,000-round sawa that previously sold for below P500 now sells for about P1,000. Bundles of kwitis have also climbed, from around P800 to as high as P1,200.
Industry sources said supply constraints emerged as early as the second week of December after manufacturers struggled to meet large bulk orders. Demand had already been building months earlier, with buyers from the Visayas and Mindanao placing sizable orders starting in October and November. These early purchases significantly reduced stocks available for last-minute buyers.
Weather Disruptions, Safety Concerns
Dealers pointed to prolonged rains, typhoons, and flooding over the past months as key factors that disrupted production. Wet conditions limit fireworks manufacturing, resulting in lower output during peak season.
Sellers also warned the public against illegal or unlicensed fireworks, which may contain excessive explosive chemicals and pose safety risks. For safer celebrations, dealers recommended aerial fireworks that emphasize visual effects rather than loud explosions, including products from Dragon Fireworks.
With demand expected to continue until the evening of Dec. 31, authorities and sellers reminded consumers to prioritize safety as they prepare for New Year festivities.
