The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is still studying whether or not to release adjusted suggested retail prices (SRP) of basic goods and commodities amid the successive fuel price hikes.
In the Laging Handa briefing today (March 17), DTI Assistant Secretary Ann Claire Cabochan said they have strengthened their price monitoring, but added that some manufacturers have already requested price adjustments.
“Kapag iyong kanilang hinihingi po na price adjustment ay mas mataas ng ten percent sa presyo noong nakaraang bulletin po ay pinapakiusapan po natin iyan sila na i-stagger po iyong increase,” she said.
“But at this time, pinag-aaralan pa po ng DTI kung magkakaroon po tayo ng panibagong SRP bulletin,” she added.
The official noted that some manufacturers have “existing inventory of raw materials and inputs, and even finished products” which may not cause price increases with their production using materials bought before the oil price surge.
“Kasi nga binili naman nila at prices before nagkaroon ng increase in oil and also iyong gulo po sa Ukraine. So, hindi sana mangyari na mag-i-increase in the immediate future, pero pinag-aaralan po,” she said.
Meanwhile, aside from canned sardine products, a price adjustment is also being sought for processed milk products, meat loaf, and canned beef.The agency urged consumers to use the SRP list as a guide for purchases, to plan their purchases, and to spend their resources well. (PTV)/AG-rir
Watch the March 17, 2022 Laging Handa briefing here:
