끝없는 폭염…채소값·생선값도 달아올랐다

Severe heatwaves have caused soaring prices for vegetables and seafood, putting a strain on consumers. As the heat weakens, leafy greens and seafood supplies have become more scarce, leading to an increase in consumer costs. According to the Korea National Food and Drug Distribution Service (KAMIS), the price of spinach per 100 grams jumped 152.3% to 1978 won last month, compared to 784 won a month ago.

This represents a doubling of prices in just a single month. The price of Chinese cucumber, the most commonly consumed cucumber variety in the country, rose 54.8% to 8313 won per 10 pieces, while the price of zucchinis increased 46.6% to 1504 won per piece. Even bokchoy saw a 41.7% surge, with one 100 gram portion now costing 1651 won.

A source from a major supermarket chain said, "Heatwaves have caused general vegetable price hikes, with spinach prices up roughly 60% compared to last month and chopped greens up 18% due to reduced supply and lower yields." Another supermarket source noted that even pickled prices had risen by over 30%. Extreme heat has also led to a rise in seafood prices.

The weekly wholesale bid price for 1 kilogram of yellowtail rose to 2,230,000 won last month, a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2% rise compared to the same period last year. The same applies to mackerel and gizzard fish, which saw 47.3% and 41.5% price increases respectively over the same period. This surge in prices has been reflected in wholesale prices, with mackerel selling for around 2.5 million won for 300 grams, a significant jump from the 3.6 million won range at the start of May.

The rising seafood prices are primarily due to ocean temperatures reaching dangerous levels due to heatwaves. According to the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries, around 864,497 fish died last month due to high temperatures. While global warming may gradually increase sea temperatures, it appears that the heatwave's impact on seafood prices may continue for some time.