Photo for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

OFWs bring home suitcases of onions from UAE as prices skyrocket in Philippines

Filipinos in the UAE are heading home with luggage full of onions, as the vegetable's price reached an all-time high of Dh40 ($10) per kg in the Philippines. Red and white onions, classics in Filipino cuisine, are twice as expensive as chicken and beef briskets. The price increase is due to a lack of supply and rising inflation rates. Filipinos are purchasing onions from the UAE for Dh1.50 per kilogram to bring back with them on their next trip home. In an interview with The National News, Jonathan Sibol, an Abu Dhabi animal trainer, said he would bring onions on his next flight to the Philippines. "Onion is a very important ingredient for cooking in the Philippines, but sadly the price there is 600 pesos per kilo," he said. "If I get a chance to go home, I will bring onions with me because it's cheaper here. It's practical, and you'd save more money. On social media, Filipinos have uploaded photographs of luggage full of onions, with remarks about how cheaper the veggie is in other areas. BKM/ Expat Media
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